Hood River County Commissioners have directed county staff to continue investigating putting a limited scope sales tax before voters next year.  Commissioners have been concerned about the ability to maintain services with an ever-tightening budget picture impacted by reduced county timber sale revenues over the last decade and Measure 5 and 50 limitations on the ability to increase property taxes.  Commissioners discussed exempting groceries, fuel, and prescription medicine with an early proposed rate of two percent, though that could change as more research is done.  County Administrator Jeff Hecksel says part of the intent of a limited scope sales tax would be to have visitors to the area contribute to county coffers.  He adds over the next 90 days there will be a market survey done on whether there would be support such a tax, at what level, and the value placed on various county services.  Commissioners have also considered going out for a public safety district, but expressed concern with adding to the current property tax burden.