The proposed increase—50 cents on every $100 in taxable purchases—would apply throughout the city. Officials have identified additional public safety staff and equipment, improved pedestrian access and beautification projects as potential priorities if voters approve it.

City leaders say rising service demands, inflation and higher construction costs are putting pressure on the budget. They also argue the sales tax would help preserve Goodlettsville’s relatively low property tax rate, which the city says has been raised three times in its nearly 70-year history.

At an August study session, city officials said the cost of paving a mile of roadway has risen an average of 184% since 2019. The city calculated that figure by comparing costs from several 2019 paving projects with current costs.

The proposal would affect shoppers differently depending on where they buy goods. Goodlettsville spans Davidson and Sumner counties, and its existing local sales tax rate is 2.25% in Sumner County and 2.75% in Davidson County. The Davidson County rate includes a half-cent transportation surcharge approved by voters in 2024 for Nashville’s Choose How You Move program.

If the measure passes, Goodlettsville’s local option rate would rise by the same amount on both sides of the county line. With the transportation surcharge still in place, the total rate on the Davidson County side would reach 10.25%, above the state’s usual 9.75% local-tax cap. City officials say the surcharge is treated differently under the cap because Goodlettsville does not receive a share of its revenue.

Officials also point to nearby examples: Hendersonville voters approved a local sales tax increase in 2024, while White House has reached the maximum local option rate allowed by state law.

Early voting runs through Oct. 29, with hours varying by location in Davidson and Sumner counties. On Election Day, Nov. 3, polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.