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The Knoxville Local Option Sales and Services Tax Renewal Committee will host their second of two public forums Thursday evening. The meetings will offer an opportunity for community members to come learn more about the tax and its benefits to the city. By June of this year, the local option tax will have generated more than $5 million in revenues since it went into effect in 2004. The funds have been used for a variety of projects such as street reconstruction, equipment replacement and sidewalk and storm sewer repairs.

Knoxville Mayor Don Zoutte says there is one minor change in this proposal versus the current local option tax. A clause has been added that allows the City Council to pass a resolution for betterment purposes or other lawful purposes. This would allow the City to use these funds for emergency situations such as last year’s sewer replacement on South, Jefferson and Madison Streets.

Zoutte says he believes this is the best option for the City because visitors will help contribute to these funds instead of the money being added to property taxes.

The meeting will take place at 6pm on the second floor of the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame and Museum and all residents are encouraged to attend.