We urge the Freeborn County Board of Commissioners to approve a new half-cent sales tax to support road improvements in the county.

The tax would raise an estimated $2 million a year and would go to support a deficit of about $6 million in road projects that need to be completed annually.

Though we wish there could be a solution at the state level to address the greater transportation concerns here, we agree this tax is necessary, especially in the meantime. It is unclear when the state will approve a long-term plan, and many of the county’s roads are in major need of repair.

Everyone who lives in Freeborn County and shops here —as well as people from outside of the county who drive on our roads and shop at our businesses — would pay the sales tax. We think that is a fair way to spread the load, whether it’s an Albert Lea resident, a semi driver from out of state stopping at one of the truck stops or someone coming in from a neighboring county to shop at our stores.

The tax would apply to any of the items people presently pay sales tax for. If the tax is approved, sales tax in Albert Lea would increase to 7.88 percent and areas outside of the separate half-cent local option sales tax for area lakes would pay 7.38 percent.

We urge people to contact their county commissioners and voice their opinions on the issue.

Too often in Albert Lea and Freeborn County, only a few people show up at the meetings where councils and commissions discuss a new tax. Then only after the meeting has concluded and the tax has been passed do people complain about what has happened

The same has been true this time around. Only three people spoke about the tax during Tuesday’s commissioner meeting. Not too many more were at a separate meeting earlier in the year. Commissioners are slated to vote Aug. 18.

Whether you like the idea or not, let the commissioners know now what you think. Don’t wait too long and then complain. Be an active part of the solution.

We need to support our infrastructure.