At least seven counties have upcoming referendums on quarter-cent sales tax

• Revenue option referendum results (since November 2007)

Following the success of Duplin, New Hanover and Onslow counties on May 4, several other counties have made plans to pursue or have discussed holding a referendum on the local option quarter-cent sales tax granted to counties in 2007.

At least four counties – Alamance, Bladen, Cherokee and Montgomery – have announced plans to place the referendum before voters on Nov. 2 during the general election. Others aren't waiting that long: Wilkes County has the sales tax on the June 22 second primary ballot, Robeson County is pursuing it on Aug. 3, and Watauga County will poll voters on Aug. 31.

Graham, Lenoir and Orange counties have all recently discussed holding the referendum in November, while Gaston County commissioners discussed putting it on the ballot in early 2011.

Robeson County began to ramp up its educational efforts on the sales tax in June by placing educational brochures in various county venues. According to County Manager Ken Windley, the tax would generate roughly $2 million in revenues, which would be used for courthouse and jail expansion and a recycling program, as well as a 2-cent property tax decrease.

In Watauga County, commissioners pledged the $1.3 million in estimated additional revenue to fund recreational improvements and a community center.

Montgomery County commissioners said they would use the roughly $250,000 in additional revenues to replenish a depleted general fund.

The sales tax would generate roughly $2 million for Alamance County.

Bladen County commissioners said they would use the revenues to fund schools.