(Benton, IL) — There is a possibility that Franklin County residents will get to vote for a quarter percent sales tax increase to help pay for improvements to some county facilities in the April 7 election. This was discussed during a special meeting of the Franklin County Building Committee Monday. Officials say if voters approve the increase, it could bring in $600,000 to $700,000 to help with improvements at the county annex building, courthouse and county jail. Before anything can be put on the ballot, board members will need to vote on the resolution at the Jan. 20 meeting. State’s Attorney Evan Owens told board members that a special account should be set up for the funding should the ballot measure be approved. Owens added that the board will need to make the community aware of the problems and that a sunset provision should be in place as to when the additional sales tax would stop being collected. Chairman Randall Crocker noted that board members will need to meet with architects to develop the plan.