Christian County Board of Education members discussed the potential next step for them concerning the nickel tax going on the ballot during Thursday night’s meeting.
Members voted to approve the 5.5-cent per $100 tax rate increase for real and personal property during their February meeting. The extra tax revenue would raise the districts bonding potential from around $15 million to over $50 million. The tax was passed solely for building new academic buildings at both high school campuses in Christian County.
The tax could be recalled if a petition that was turned in early last week by the group Citizens Right To Vote On Tax Increases is validated by the Christian County Clerk’s Office by May 8th. If approved, the tax increase would be put on the ballot in either a special election or the Kentucky gubernatorial election on Tuesday, November 5, 2019.
During the board meeting, Superintendent Mary Ann Gemmill wanted members to discuss the potential of calling a special election if the petition is approved.
right-click to download mp3
She is asking for the special election, so the school district could receive around $2 million from the extra money that would be collected with the tax increase, this year.
right-click to download mp3
Board members expressed concern during a fifteen-minute discussion and noted that making a decision before the petition is approved by Christian County Election Coordinator Melinda Humphries and her staff was not in their best interest.
During the discussion, board chair Linda Keller squashed a rumor that has been spread throughout the community and on social media. The rumor pertained to Superintendent Mary Ann Gemmill receiving a raise every school year.
right-click to download mp3
In other business, board members approved law enforcement agreements with the Christian County Sheriff’s Department and the City of Hopkinsville for school resource officers for the 2019-2020 school year.
WebReadyTM Powered by WireReady® NSI
