CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Some Mecklenburg County commissioners have proposed a sales tax increase to help fight crime, and they're scheduled to discuss the proposed tax at tonight's commission meeting.

They say the quarter-cent hike would raise an estimated $20 million in 2009. Those funds would go toward additional improvements to the justice system.

Proponents want the issue on the ballot this November.

At tonight's meeting, the commission is also expected to discuss convening a Criminal Justice Task Force that would make recommendations for the best way to use that extra tax revenue.

Commissioners say those uses would likely include:

·Additional assistant district attorneys;

·A salary supplement for all assistant district attorneys to decrease the turnover rate;

·Process improvements in the existing intake center at Jail Central;

·Satellite intake centers for persons arrested by the police departments of the City of Charlotte and the six Mecklenburg towns;

·Expanded diversion program for mentally ill persons who are taking up space in our crowded jails that could be used for more serious offenders;

·Constructing and operating a new jail, including land purchase;

·Additional courtroom personnel to speed up trials for persons charged with crimes, including sheriff's deputies, clerks, public defenders, and, in cooperation with the State, additional judges ("Court Sets");

·Technology that would measurably improve the productivity of the judges and magistrates as well as all personnel in the District Attorney's office, the clerk's office and the public defender's office;

·Additional electronic monitoring equipment for the police departments and officers needed to administer the monitoring programs for repeat offenders.