Y’s Hometown Foods has obtained the required number of signatures to apply for a local-option liquor petition, moving the store closer to a possible election in May to determine wheth- er Brownsboro will become a wet municipality.

“It’s going to create a lot of tax dollars for us,” the store’s owner, Dusty Wise, said. “Everybody knows we need more tax dollars right now to help the infrastructure of the city. I’d love to see Brownsboro do some of the things it needs to do.”

The city’s sales-tax revenue was just over $126,000 in 2009, according to state figures.

“We need a boost to rework the streets and help us grow,” Wise said. “I think we’ll see more positive out of this than the negative. I think it’s a good, ethical decision.”

Once the petition application is filed with Henderson County elections administrator Denise Hernandez and approved, Wise will have 60 days to gather 51 signatures and submit the petition.

“We’re shooting to be on the May ballot,” he said.

Beer, wine, and liquor would be sold at Y’s until 9 p.m. for off-premises consumption. Because Henderson County is partially wet, Brownsboro-area residents travel to Turn Fork Package Store on FM 314 in LaRue to buy alcohol.

Wise said he’s received little opposition to the effort.

“Most of the comments have been positive. The concern was the children, and that’s always going to be a concern. No one is knowingly going to sell to a minor because they’re not going to do anything to lose their (liquor) license.”

Still, Wise said he expects much of his liquor sales to come from consumers outside the area.

“I’d much rather for people to come here, pick up a 12-pack, and go home than for them to drive 28 miles for it.”

Wise has owned Y’s for more than 18 years.

Forty-two counties in the state were classified as “completely wet” last November, according to the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission. Thirty were classfied as “completely dry.” The others, including Smith and Van Zandt counties, are partially wet.

For more on local-option liquor elections, visit sos.state.tx.us. The Texas ABC’s Web site is tabc. state.tx.us.