Wood River voters approved a 1 percentage point municipal sales tax increase on Tuesday, clearing the way for the Southern Illinois city to address construction of a new recreation center and address needs in flood-prone areas.

According to unofficial tallies, the tax was approved 560 votes to 481.

Illinois REALTORS® had backed the property tax vote since all voters in the city would have a chance to weigh in on the issue. The association has long held that the municipal sales tax is a better way to address funding needs than opting for Home Rule, which takes direct approval away from voters.

The ballot measure would provide an estimated $1 million annually for public works projects, including the replacement for an aquatic center.