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MONROE COUNTY MO -- Voters in Monroe County are being asked to change a tax that's been on the books for 20 years. The half percent tax currently contains a sunset clause that requires voter renewal every five years.  This year, the tax will be placed on the ballot without that clause, which would make the tax permanent.  County Clerk Sandra Francis says the tax is needed for maintenance projects.

"This tax is divided one third into road and bridge, one third into law enforcement and one third goes toward our general revenue," Francis said.

Thos funds help pay for road and bridge repair and construction, providing local law enforcement with training and tools needed for the job, and the upkeep of the county courthouse building as well as other miscellaneous expenses.

To date, this tax has been overwhelmingly approved by voters every time it's been on the ballot.