Christian County School Board members Thursday night approved a property tax rate intended to generate a 4% increase in tax revenue over last year.
Prior to the presentation of the tax levy, Superintendent Mary Ann Gemmill informed board members the additional funding from the tax levy would primarily go toward reinstating the STEP increase for teachers, which she noted costs the district about a half-a-million dollars each year. As we previously reported, the board voted 4-1 earlier this year to freeze the STEP increase this school year.
Director of Business Jessica Darnell proposed the 2018-2019 tax rate of 42.8 cents on real property and 42.8 cents personal property.
When compared to other school districts across the state based on last year’s tax rates, Darnell said Christian County has the 7th lowest property tax rate in the state; however, the county has the 11th largest population in the state, and is the 2nd largest geographically in the state.
Board Chair Linda Keller said if they did not vote for the increase they are facing cuts because of the uncertainty due to the state legislature and the continued cuts to education.
Board member Tom Bell asked if the tax rate is kept the same what were other options besides cutting nurses or school resource officers. Gemmill said the cut options would include stipends for all athletic events, music and arts programs, physical education, extracurricular activities, nurses and school resource officers. Bell noted he would vote for the increase because he voted against the STEP freeze and 80% of the increase would go to teachers.
Board member Susan Hayes also stated she would vote for the increase because education is a top priority and this tax is an investment in our community and future workforce.
The 4% tax levy was approved by a 4-1 vote, with Lindsey Clark casting the lone nay vote. He explained to the News Edge after the meeting why he voted against the increase.
During a public hearing prior to the meeting, five individuals addressed board members – three in favor of the tax levy and two against it.
The next special board meeting and workshop will be Thursday evening, September 6, at 6:00.
