Now that the election date is set, the Ellis County Commission continues to explain and promote their request for a half-cent sales tax. Commissioner Barbara Wasinger says there are two points she wants to make perfectly clear. The first is that the sales tax will sunset when the bonds are paid off, and second the money can only be used to fund the projects stated in the ballot question.

Based on the sales tax projections, the $14.5 million dollars in bonds will be paid off and the sales tax will sunset in about four-and-a-half years.

The Ellis County Administrator and commissioners approached the city councils of Ellis and Victoria Monday night to request that if the public approves the sales tax, then those communities would turn their share over to the county. Administrator Greg Sund says if Ellis, Victoria and Schoenchen agree to give their shares to the county, that could reduce the length of the sales tax by about six months.

The only projects eligible for this funding are the EMS/Rural Fire building and improvements to the courthouse and jail. Several public meetings are being planned. The election will be May 14.