The Tuolumne County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously Tuesday to direct staff members to prepare a proposal, that would put a sales tax increase on an upcoming countywide ballot, if not this November then during a special mail in ballot in March 2006. The increase would raise sales tax from its current 7.25 percent to 7.75 percent. According to the Supervisors, the increased revenue would be used only for county fire protection. The board agreed that a tax increase is necessary to cover the rising costs charged by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.