A number of community meetings are scheduled in Madison to address a proposed half-cent sales tax.

Governor Bob Riley awarded the city a $36 million interest-free loan to build a second high school, which will be located on County Line Road.

The loan must be paid back in 15 years.

One way to pay for that loan: raising sales tax.

This may be the quickest way to start raising money, because the idea of raising property taxes could take up to two years just to be placed on a ballot.

The city council and the Madison Board of Education want to hear what you think about the idea, so they're scheduling several meetings to answer your questions about the sales tax proposal.

Nov. 9: City Hall, 6 p.m. (City Council meeting)

Nov. 13: Ivey's Restaurant, 7 a.m. (Mayor's monthly community meeting)

Nov. 14: Bob Jones High School, 9 a.m. (presentation and Q&A)

Nov. 19: Bob Jones High School, 6:30 p.m. (presentation and Q&A)

Nov. 23: City Hall, 6 p.m. (City Council meeting).

The new school will cost about $60 million.

Go to madisonal.gov for more information.