Although the state legislature has been talking a lot about property tax cuts this year, the talk at the Leon County School District has been going in the opposite direction.
Faced with a $12 million budget shortfall next year, the school board is looking at money-raising options. One idea is to renew the half-penny sales tax next year and kick it up by a full penny. Another is to increase the property tax millage rate for the district. During a recent meeting, School Board member Darryl Jones asked the district's issue consultant Steve Vancore if that tax hike, which was supported by a voter survey in the fall, might still pass muster at the ballot box.
"In a community that is oftentimes described itself as somewhat tax weary, I know the poll told us earlier that it would pass overwhelmingly. Do you think that is still the same?" asked Jones, to which Vancore replied:
"I have no reason to believe otherwise, sir."
Both proposals would have to go before voters. But a decision on which direction to go will have to come soon. The state requires months of lead-time to get any local referendum issue on the local ballot.
