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MEMPHIS, MO. -- Scotland County voters will cast a ballot on two hot topics during a special election in August.

First, they'll decide if the county's special Road Rock Tax will be raised from $.25 per agriculture acre to $1 per agriculture acre.

Commissioners say skyrocketing expenses have prompted them to ask for the tax increase.

"Our fuel costs and our rock costs have almost doubled in the last four to five years, and there's nothing to indicate that trend's not going to continue," said Commissioner Mike Stephenson.

Scotland County’s Road Rock tax currently brings in around $60,000 a year. If voters approve the increase, the annual revenue would jump to an estimated $240,000.

All revenue from the tax is earmarked for the purchase of gravel.

Here's the way it works: for each acre of agricultural land someone owns, they would have to pay $1 to the road rock tax fund. If  you own 100 acres, you would have to pay $100 each year. That’s the amount you would have to pay if the tax increase passes. Right now, if you own 100 acres, you have to pay $25 to the

Commissioners also say bad weather the past couple of years has taken a toll on gravel roads in Scotland County leaving many of them in dire need of more gravel.

Scotland County voters will also decide if the county commission should adopt a county health ordinance, which would regulate confined animal feeding operations (CAFOs).

They have been a hot topic and devisive issue.

Last year, commissioners repealed the former county health ordinance, saying they didn't have the staffing or resources to enforce.

"Hopefully with this on the ballot, we can get the people out to vote, and if they want a health ordinance, we're going to give them a health ordinance, and if people in the county don't want a health ordinance, we're not going to have one at this time," said Commissioner Denis Clatt.

Clatt told KTVO if residents say they want a health ordinance, the commissioners will write a simpler version that they can more easily enforce.

Scotland County's Special Election is set for August 4.