The increase is expected to generate approximately $8.8 million annually, which would be distributed among the seven cities within the county. Drivers who travel about 12,000 miles annually are projected to spend an average of $24 annually on the increased gas tax. If approved, the tax would remain in place for 50 years.

Consumer prices rose 0.2% in July, with annual inflation holding steady at 2.7% Shelter costs were the biggest driver of the increase, while energy