Voters in St. Louis County will decide on a 3-percent sales tax on recreational marijuana sales in unincorporated areas of the county when they head to the polls in April.

The St. Louis County Council voted 5-1 last week on a bill that calls for an election April 4 to let voters decide on the 3-percent sales tax on recreational marijuana. The additional tax would be in addition to a 6-percent statewide sales tax on recreational sales.

First District Councilwoman Rita Days, D-Bel-Nor; 2nd District Councilwoman Kelli Dunaway, D-Chesterfield; 5th District Councilwoman Lisa Clancy, D-Maplewood; 7th District Councilman Mark Harder, R-Ballwin; and Council Chairwoman Shalonda Webb were in favor. Third District Councilman Dennis Hancock was opposed and 6th District Councilman Ernie Trakas was absent.

Amendment 3 to the Missouri Constitution was passed by voters statewide last November and permits anyone 21 and older to legally grow if licensed, purchase or sell recreational marijuana beginning Feb. 6.

The 3-percent sales tax is the highest tax a local government can charge on recreational sales, in addition to the 6-percent tax that will be charged on all sales statewide.

Other South County municipalities like Sunset Hills and Crestwood will also have a 3-percent recreational marijuana sales tax question on their respective ballots, along with other county municipalities like Shrewsbury, Clayton, University City, Velda City, Warson Woods and Webster Groves.

Neighboring St. Charles County Council also voted to put the 3-percent sales tax on the ballot for St. Charles County voters.