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In a close Election Day contest, Tuesday, Nov. 3, Charlotte County voters approved a 1% sales tax increase that county officials say will help fund much-needed school projects.

Unofficial election results for the ballot referendum were 52.19% yes and 47.81% no. Absentee ballots may be accepted until noon Friday, Nov. 6. Results will be certified Monday, Nov. 16.

“I know it was hard for the citizens to vote for another tax willingly,” Board of Supervisor and Sales Tax Committee member Kay Pierantoni said. “However, it was the right decision as this sales tax will go directly into an account that can only be used on school buildings.”

Now passed, the sales tax increase will go into effect in July, bringing an estimated $300,000 in additional revenue to the county.

The tax will be placed on beer, wine, cigarettes, and prepared foods. Medicine and food off the shelf will not be taxed.

Randolph-Henry High School is one of the county’s schools that officials say is in desperate need of repairs and will benefit from the additional sales tax.

“I am grateful to live in a county that puts a high priority on students having safe, maintained school buildings,” Pierantoni said. “This tax won’t solve all of the problems, but it will be a tremendous help and a step in the right direction.”