MADISONVILLE-When Madisonville residents go to the polls in November, in addition to the national election and three local aldermen seats, they will also be asked to vote yes or no on the question of raising the local sales tax by half a percent.

The current total sales tax in Madisonville is 9.25 cents per dollar. That's a combination of 2.25 cents for the town and 7 cents for the state. If the sales tax initiative passes, it would make the town's total sales tax 9.75 cents per dollar, the highest it can go by state law.

Alderman Glenn Moser said during the mayor and aldermen's September meeting it would be in the town's best interest if residents voted for the increase.

"I have researched this," Moser said, "and looked at how Sweetwater handled it when it was proposed over there. (Sweetwater voters passed the tax in 2011). The way I understand it is if we don't vote this in, the county could then raise its sales tax rate by half a percent and collect the proceeds."

See full story in the Wednesday, Sept. 12, edition of The Advocate & Democrat.