CINCINNATI (AP) -- Officials in the Cincinnati area are discussing a plan that would use a sales tax increase and new agency for renovations and expansions at Cincinnati museums and its music hall, zoo and other venues.

The Hamilton County-wide tax would be used for major renovations that local governments, corporations, donors and current taxes can't fund.

The Cincinnati Enquirer reports Sunday (http://cin.ci/IibdFh ) that current planned projects would cost nearly $500 million.

The plan being considered would copy similar initiatives in various other cities, including Denver, Kansas City and Pittsburgh.

Voters would most likely be asked to approve any sales tax increase. A one-quarter cent increase would bring in about $30 million a year.

Discussions on the issue are being led by the Carol Ann and Ralph V. Haile Jr./U.S. Bank Foundation.

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Information from: The Cincinnati Enquirer, http://www.enquirer.com