(BENTON, IL) — Franklin County leaders will meet tomorrow afternoon at 3:30 to discuss placing a referendum on the April ballot creating a one percent sales tax that would raise money to build a new courthouse in Benton. County Board Chairman Randall Crocker says the current courthouse, built in 1870, has some physical issues like its wiring and a crumbling foundation that are in critical condition. Courthouse security is another big issue because everyone from jury members to inmates has to enter through the same door, which could lead to a bad situation. Crocker says the county has looked at some many different ways to pay for construction of a new courthouse and feels the sales tax would accomplish the goal of raising the money needed for construction. Crocker hopes to have the facility paid off in 15 to 20 years with the sales tax expiring during that time. A site for the new courthouse has not been determined at this time, but Crocker says if voters approve this referendum, his goal will be to have construction starting on the two year project this year. If the county approves the referendum tomorrow, it has until Tuesday to get it on the ballot.