Jones County officials discuss renewed local sales tax, aim for November referendum

Jones County officials and city representatives on Tuesday reviewed the timetable, revenue-sharing options and project priorities for a proposed local sales-tax renewal that would not begin collecting until mid-2027 if voters approve it.

Staff outlined the statutory steps and key deadlines and told the group that the current measure was approved by voters in March 2020, took effect in 2021 and expires June 30, 2027. “The current split is 82 county and 18,” a staff member said, referring to the anticipated distribution of proceeds between the county and the city.

The staff presenter said state law requires specified notices and local agreements before a referendum and that, because there will be statewide races on the November ballot (including a Public Service Commission contest), the panel must meet the 90‑day timeline this year. Officials agreed November would be an appropriate target for the referendum and asked staff to compress the schedule so ballot language, intergovernmental agreements and required…