MARION - Williamson County school officials are promoting a one-cent sales tax increase proposal to help pay for the construction of new schools and retire new school debt. This was necessitated by the fact that the state has been slow to funnel promised funds their way. Voters will consider the referendum at next month's primary election.

If the referendum is approved, Marion has plans to build a new elementary school in Creal Springs followed by a new high school. Carterville has plans to build a new high school. Johnston City wishes to add classrooms at Lincoln Elementary School. Herrin and Crab Orchard schools are looking to pay off their debt on recently built new schools.

The tax would generate approximately $7.5 million a year, which would be divided up between the five county schools based on enrollment. As the largest district, Marion would receive the largest cut each year.

Marion Mayor Bob Butler said he is not in favor of the one-cent sales tax increase. He said that would raise the city's sales tax from 7.5 to 8.5 cents on the dollar and is worried shoppers may shop somewhere other than Marion as that would be the highest tax rate in the region.

"I think that could put us at a competitive disadvantage," Butler said. The mayor said he understands why school officials are looking for alternative funding measures. He blames the state legislature for failing to adequately fund schools.

"More pressure needs to be put on the legislature to do what needs to be done," Butler said.

Marion Unit 2 School Superintendent Wade Hudgens said he understands the mayor's concerns but respectfully disagrees with his assertion that the sales tax would be bad for businesses.

"I don't think people are going to stop coming to Marion to shop just because our tax rate would be one-half cent higher than Carbondale," Hudgens said. "That's what - 50 cents more on a $100 purchase? I don't think that's significant enough to make a difference with shoppers."

Hudgens said a sales tax is the most fair tax that can be imposed on the public. He said there are three things he hopes voters will remember when going to the polls next month.

"If the referendum is approved, anywhere from $75 to $100 million worth of construction jobs will be created over the next few years as new schools are built in Marion and Carterville. The quality of schools that will be built will be on a par with the best in the state and that real estate tax rate relief will be provided for county residents."