Irondale residents will head to the polls on Tuesday, April 10 for a referendum to increase the property tax by 6 mils.

Mayor Charles Moore said the city is looking to increase the property tax to help pay for city services.

He said this is the first proposed increase in ad valorem taxes in about 20 years. The increase would bring the city portion of the property tax to 12.5 mils.

For a house valued at $100,000, the property tax increase of 6 mils would be equal to $60, he said.

The property tax increase is projected to generate about $900,000 annually for the city, Moore said. The tax wouldn't be collected until 2019.

If the measure passes, the additional revenue will allow the city "to provide more and better services to the residents of Irondale," Moore said.

"There are many things we would like to be able to improve and build upon," he said. "It takes more money to do that."

The taxes will used for initiatives outlined in the city's comprehensive plan such as new infrastructure including storm water management and street paving, upgrades to parks and recreation areas and economic development.

Moore said the tax increase was proposed before the closure of Sam's Club, and it won't make up for the loss of the warehouse store.

The Sam's Club generated revenues of around $1.4 million annually for the city in the form of sales taxes, property taxes and business licenses.

Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., according to the city.