7% sales tax to go into effect

Starting April 1, purchases made in Hamilton County will cost a little bit more. April Fools' Day joke? Nope, sorry.

The new 7 percent sales tax -- a 3.8 percent increase over the previous 6.75 percent tax -- will affect purchases made in Hamilton County.

This tax increase stems from the approval of Issue 8, or the "icon tax." This five-year, quarter-cent tax will contribute approximately $170 million in revenue to help fund Union Terminal's $213 million in renovations.

The project includes updates to the building's roof, windows, electrical systems, plumbing, heating and air conditioning.

This tax also includes items bought online that are from a business based in Hamilton County.