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Mecklenburg County's sales tax increase vote to take place Tuesday

If the tax hike passes, the arts would get the bulk of the money, with an expected funding percentage of about 45%.

MECKLENBURG COUNTY, N.C. — A hot topic of debate that would affect many people in Mecklenburg County will come to a head this week.

The sales tax would put an additional quarter-cent tax on goods and services purchased in Mecklenburg County, according to the Mecklenburg County government website. 

It would bring in a sizable amount for the county: $50 million a year. That money would go toward parks and greenways as well as art and culture programs.

The Mecklenburg County government website said if the tax hike passes, the funding percentages are expected to be 45% for arts and culture, 34% for county parks and greenways, 16% for education and 5% for arts and culture/parks for the towns.

RELATED: Debate rages over vote to raise Mecklenburg County sales tax

If the measure passes it would mean you would spend an extra nickel for every $20 spent.

There have been mixed reactions on this vote, with some saying there are other priorities that should come first, like the housing crisis and a need for jobs.

"I've not yet met someone who's opposed to the arts, but I have certainly met many people who are opposed to this tax for this intended purpose," former county commissioner Matthew Ridenhour said.

A similar attempt to raise the sales tax in 2014 failed 61% to 39%

Election Day is Tuesday, November 5.

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