With almost exactly a month to the March primaries in Illinois, DeWitt County voters are going to be asked to make a decision that will effect the Clinton School District.

A one-cent sales tax proposal will be placed before DeWitt County voters. Superintendent Curt Nettles explains he is hoping advocates of the tax will step forward and head a group to inform the public.

Facilities and technology are the two main purposes of the sales tax and Nettles indicates you can also abate taxes, which would be a great benefit for the district with debt from the new elementary school.

Among other targeted items within the district, Nettles points to outdoor facility upgrades along with additional storage.

School Board President John Blythe understands the stigma that comes with a tax proposal but says the streams of revenue the district has are in jeopardy. He says this will be a source of income from things not a part of day to day living expenses.

According to Nettles, there is a chance this opportunity for Illinois communities could go away. He was informed of legislation that would sunset the tax after a certain amount of time.

For Nettles, the possibility is there could be other taxes the district might be able to drop because of having the one-cent sales tax in place. He emphasizes this tax will not be applied to things like groceries or bigger ticket items like cars, boats or agriculture equipment or medicine.

Nettles indicates his door is always open to talk with individuals or small groups about this. He hopes to get in front of a number of community groups in the coming weeks to discuss the tax.

The referendum will appear on the March 15 primary.