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ELDON, IOWA -- Residents in Eldon will be heading to the polls in March to vote on a Local Option Sales Tax.

The measure was on the November ballot and was passed throughout Wapello County, including Ottumwa, but not in Eldon.

The ballots in Wapello County were two-sided in the 2012 general election; and in Eldon, over 80 ballots were left blank on the back where the Local Option Sales Tax measure was located.

The tax helps fund programs within the city, such as the police and fire departments, as well as maintenance to the city’s streets.

Eldon Mayor Shirley Stacey told KTVO Thursday that the city is going all out to educate residents about the sales tax, including holding a public forum on the issue.

“We have decided to go door to door with a letter to explain to our residents what this is, and also maybe able to answer some questions for them,” said Stacey. “Also, we will be holding a public forum where we will have available a city councilman, myself, the city clerk, a Wapello County Board of Supervisor, an Ottumwa City Councilman and the Mayor of Blakesburg will be joining us as another small town who benefits from this tax.”

The public forum will be held on February 24 at the KD Center in Eldon at 1 p.m.

All residents living within city limits are urged to attend.

For more information, residents can call city hall at 641-652-7510.