Johnson County commissioners Thursday approved putting on the Nov. 4 general election ballot a proposal to increase the Johnson County sales tax by one-eighth of 1 percent for higher education programs, including those for Kansas University.

If approved by voters, the proposal would establish the Johnson County Education Research Triangle Authority.

The authority would use the sales tax increase to fund projects and programs at the KU Edwards Campus, KU Medical Center’s Johnson County location, and Kansas State University’s campus in Olathe.

The tax increase is projected to raise $15 million annually, and the proceeds will be divided evenly among the three locations.