(BENTON, IL) — The Franklin County Board Friday afternoon approved placing a referendum on the April ballot asking voters if they want a one percent sales tax to help raise money needed for a new courthouse. The courthouse, which was built in 1870, has a laundry list of problems including wiring that is not up to par and a crumbling foundation that is in critical condition. Security is also another factor at the facility because everyone from employees to jury members to inmates has to use the same door. If approved by voters in April, County Board Chairman Randall Crocker would like to have construction starting on the roughly $18 to $20 million project this year. He says it would take two years to complete. He would also like to see the county be able to pay off the new facility in 15 to 20 years with the sales tax expiring during that time. A site for a new courthouse has not been determined at this time.