GAINESVILLE - As people around the country decide who to pick in the upcoming presidential race, residents in Alachua County have the added task of deciding the fate of many area roadways. 

 

The county is letting voters decide on a new measure known as the "Fix our Roads" surtax, which will appear on the November ballot. If approved, the county's sales tax rate would increase by three-quarters of a percent, to just shy of seven percent. 

 

The extra revenue would be used to repair various roads, both in the city of Gainesville, and in nine other municipalities, such as Newberry and Lacrosse. 

 

With the age of most roads in the county averaging out to 24 years, officials say it's crucial to approve the measure now, as the costs will only increase exponentially if delayed any longer. 

 

The county's public works department estimates the surtax could help bring in about $300 million if it's approved. That money would then be paired with revenues from the county's existing gas tax, money that's already used for road repair and maintenance.