DeKalb seeking local sales tax

DeKalb County CEO Burrell Ellis said he will ask state lawmakers to allow the county to levy a local sales tax for paving and other transportation work.

The tax, laid out in Ellis’ 2013 budget memo, would be used to come up with matching money for state and federal grants for transportation projects such as intersection improvements, sidewalks and paving.

The state legislature would need to approve the request for a public vote, which would put the tax before voters in a future referendum. The legislature convenes Jan. 14.