St Joseph voters turned out in small numbers to decide a big question, and in the end approved an effort to implement a use tax on out-of-state purchases.

Out of 4,143 votes cast, 2,332 voted “yes,” and 1,811 voted “no.”  (56.29% to 43.71%)

The tax is equal to the current local sales tax in St Joseph.

Officials estimate the tax will generate about $700,000 per year for road repairs and maintenance.