Central Community School Board Votes to Raise Taxes by $750,000

The Central Community School Board voted 5-2 to raise property taxes in Central by $750,000 a year.  It was the first time since the Central school system was created that a tax has been imposed or raised without a vote of the people.

Supt. Jason Fountain said he was not asking the board for the increase.  However, school board members Dr. Keith Holmes and Phil Graham, who was recently appointed to the board, said they were afraid of losing some of their taxing authority unless the millage was imposed.

Among the opponents, Wayne Leader who owns storage facilities, said many people in the community are suffering and cannot pay their storage bills.  It will be another tax that is passed along to people who cannot afford it.

Board member Sharon Browning said, “I will not vote to roll forward the taxes. Since Central School System began, this board has never voted to roll forward taxes. By not rolling forward the taxes, the school board has gained the trust of the community. Let’s put it on the ballot and let the voters give our school people this raise they deserve.”

YES – Roxanne Atkinson, Dr. Jim Gardner, Phil Graham, Dr. Keith Holmes, and Dr. David Walker NO – Sharon Browning and Ruby Foil – Passed 5-2 – It required a 2/3rds vote.