Would you be willing to pay a penny more in sales tax to improve Limestone County schools?

That’s the question Limestone voters will probably go to the polls to decide in August.

Limestone County school board members unanimously agreed Monday to ask the County Commission to call a special election sometime in August to ask voters for a 1-cent increase in the countywide sales tax.

School officials say the tax hike is needed to pay for $50 million in school construction and renovation projects at seven county schools. Impending growth and deteriorating facilities prompted the request.

“In the movie ‘Field of Dreams’ they said, ‘Build it and they will come,’ ” said Superintendent Dr. Barry Carroll. “In Limestone County, we don’t say that, we say, ‘They are coming, we must build it. ’ ”

He added, “If we do not begin preparing now, in 2009 we will be saying, ‘They’re here!’ ”

He was referring to the line from the horror movie “Poltergeist.”

Board President Bryant Moss said he believes the county will call the special election.

“That is my feeling from talking to them,” he said.

If approved, the 1-cent tax would take effect in September and generate about $5 million a year or $50 million over 10 years. The schools would borrow $50 million for the projects and use the 1-cent tax to pay off the debt. After 10 years, the tax would be discontinued, which would be stated on the ballot.

Here are the proposed projects that would be covered by the $50 million:

Ardmore

• New gymnasium - $3.5 million