Crews move large section of pipe as renourishment work continues at the East end of Ocean Isle Beach N.C. Monday March 3, 2014. Brunswick County is asking residents to raise the sales tax. If that happens, the money can be used for terminal groins, which is extremely controversial.

Brunswick County is going to need to raise money for beach projects somehow, says Debbie Smith, Ocean Isle Beach mayor.

If residents approve a proposed sales tax increase, using half of the resulting $3 million a year for the beaches is smart, she added.

"It's a very innovative approach," Smith said of county officials. "They understand the need to protect our beaches, so hats off to them."

The money would be earmarked based on a beach town's needs and for projects such as dredging, nourishment, channel widening and terminal groins. And although there is some argument about how to best use the money, most town boards in the county are on board with the tax increase.

County staffers have been making rounds to each municipality, explaining the need for the sales tax increase. Of the 19 municipalities, 11 passed resolutions in favor, according to county spokeswoman Amanda Hutcheson.

Oak Island Mayor Betty Wallace said that though her town council did not endorse the tax hike, she and many on her board favor it.

"We didn't (pass) anything on it because I personally didn't feel like our town council should be endorsing or making any statements against," she said. "But I will personally vote for it."

Leland also didn't pass a resolution, but Mayor Brenda Bozeman said she likes the county's approach to the tax hike.

Over the years, federal money for coastal projects has dwindled. The extra money from the sales tax will help provide a boost when it comes to protecting Brunswick County beaches, County Manager Ann Hardy said.

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Proposed sales tax could be used for Brunswick beaches