Sales tax revenue is planned to replace lost federal grant money in Washington County. 5-million dollars from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and another 600-thousand dollars in other grants end June 30th. Voters will now decide on a sales tax referendum August second and city and county boards of education are hoping for local rates to go up. An increase from 2.5 percent to 2.75 percent would be the maximum allowed by state law to fund local schools. The last sales tax hike in Washington County was approved back in May of 1994. Non-mandated positions and programs could be cut to reduce the schools budget deficit. Transportation, equipment, technology, Health insurance, fuel and utility costs are being reviewed. (bg)