ATHENS, Tenn. — Beginning Oct. 1, the litigation tax in McMinn County will rise from $10 to $50.

The tax will apply to all civil and criminal cases filed in the county, but not to municipal cases.

Revenue from the tax will be used to help pay for expanding the new county justice center and to for courthouse security officers.

County Mayor John Gentry said the tax should generate more than $100,000 a year in revenue.

“Twenty-five dollars will go to courthouse security, and the rest to the courthouse and jail construction,” Mr. Gentry said.

When construction is complete on the court and justice complex, money from the tax will be used for operating and maintenance costs, he said.

The tax increased passed the McMinn County Commission on a 9-1 vote. Commissioner Dale Holbrook voted no, saying he is against tax increases that could affect local citizens.

Joe Guy, the county mayor’s assistant, said using litigation tax money to pay court officers’ salaries will leave more dollars in the sheriff’s department budget. That will allow the sheriff to hire more deputies, he said.

“The idea is to move the money around,” Mr. Guy said.

He said the county commission had that in mind when they began thinking about the tax increase.

Sheriff Steve Frisbie said he had asked for three or four officers to supplement his main force, but his request stalled because of budget constrictions.

When the actual transfer would take place is still being planned and would depend on Mr. Gentry and the county commission, Mr. Guy said.

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