Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News) - The sales tax in Olmsted County will be increased by a quarter-cent this summer.

The Olmsted County Board voted 6-1 this afternoon to approve new quarter of a percent sales tax to provide funding for county road and bridge projects. County officials estimate the new tax will generate nearly $7 million a year after it takes effect on July 1st.

It should be noted the county board was unanimous in supporting the new tax and the lone dissenting vote was cast by a commissioner who wanted to set it higher than a quarter-point. In 2008 the Minnesota legislature approved a law authorizing counties outside the Twin Cities area to collect a transportation sales tax of up to a half-percent to help meet their transportation infrastructure needs.

Three years ago, Olmsted County began collecting a $10 vehicle wheelage fee and a quarter-cent sales tax to pay for DMC-related infrastructure expenses. The City of Rochester also collects a three-quarters of a percent sales tax with a quarter-cent dedicated to Destination Medical Center expenses.

 

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