Early voting has started for the Maryville sales tax referendum.

The referendum proposes to increase Maryville sales tax by 0.50%, the sales tax rate would increase from 9.25% to 9.75% (local sales tax rate of 2.25% would increase to 2.75%). On a $10 purchase the sales tax would increase by 5 cents. On a $100 purchase the sales tax would increase by 50 cents.

It is estimated the sales tax increase would generate about $2.5 million per year, half would go to City of Maryville schools and half would go in the city's general fund.

Early voting runs:
November 20, 2013 through December 5, 2013, except for November 28th and 29th, Thanksgiving holiday.

Early voting hours are:
Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 4 PM.
Saturday, 8 Am to 11 AM.

You can early vote at the Blount County Courthouse.