“No New Tax For Jails” is the message on yard signs opposing Champaign County’s sales tax referendum. Opponents of the quarter-cent sales tax say it will expand the county jail system, tempting county officials to put more people --- especially minorities – behind bars. But county officials say the work on the jail is needed, as part of plans to maintain all Champaign County government buildings.

After hearing a number of comments from the 'Build Programs Not Jails' movement, on a vote of 15-2, the Champaign County Board Thursday approved placing a quarter-cent sales tax on the November ballot.