KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Voters in Osceola County ultimately rejected a referendum to pay more in sales tax to fix the county's roads in Tuesday's special election.

In the final vote, 67 percent of Osceola residents voted against the surtax.

Currently, Osceola County has a $1.1 billion backlog in road construction needs.

The measure, if it had been approved, would have generated $67 million a year.

Not only would it been used to fix potholes, it would also would have help expand public transportation and relieve rush hour bottlenecks.

"We got a big problem, so it's got to be solved somehow," said voter Frank Townsend.

However, an increase would make Osceola County's sales tax 8.5 percent, the highest allowed in the state.

"In some areas it's pretty bad, in some areas it's OK, you know? They need some fixing for sure, but I don't want it come out of my little check from my retirement," said voter Teresita Franco.

Proponents say tourists will pay nearly half of the money raised from the sales tax.

Across the county, signs both for and against the increase have popped up.

Voting was from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. on Tuesday.

Osceola County Manager Don Fisher talks about the proposed one-cent tax increase.