Rockingham County residents changed their minds at the polls this year. They voted in favor of a four-percent meals tax, 54 to 46 percent.

The additional tax will be used for funding county public schools.

The county superintendent says it is a much needed boost for the budget. However, some restaurant owners say it may hurt their business.

Customers, including tourists and locals, will be the ones paying the tax.

Some residents are happy to support the school system through a program like this.

"I kind of consider going out to eat a little bit of a luxury, since you can choose to do it or not do it. It makes sense to me that it is taxed a little bit more, to help the schools," says Judith Lehman, a Rockingham County resident.

The Rockingham County Board of Supervisors now has to pass an ordinance for the tax to go into effect.