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Public and commissioners press for long-term plan on school funding; referendum floated
Summary
Multiple residents and commissioners urged Hamilton County officials to develop a long-range plan to fund schools, with suggestions including increasing sales-tax allocation to education and placing a referendum on the ballot; county officials said budget hearings will begin May 7.
Residents, parents and commissioners used the public-comment portion of the Hamilton County commission meeting to urge a long-term plan to fund the county—s public schools and to press commissioners to give the school system stable, predictable revenue.
"Our students need stability to succeed," said Janetta Markell, who identified herself as a Hamilton County resident, urging the commission to prioritize sustained investment in schools. "There needs to be a long range plan for funding our schools."
Several speakers asked whether the county could "increase the percentage of sales tax allocated to education beyond the 50% required by law," or pursue a referendum or other mechanisms to provide additional local funds while officials craft a long-term approach. Amy Packer, another speaker, said she believed full funding would help attract employers and investments to the community.
Commissioners acknowledged the concern and discussed practical constraints. Commissioner Joe Graham said the board should give voters the option of a sales-tax increase by referendum. "I think we need to put it out to the voters," Graham said, adding that state law allows the county to raise the local option sales tax and that the question should be decided by constituents.
Commissioner David Sharp and other commissioners said comparisons to other counties are difficult because local tax rates and jurisdictions differ; Sharp also said county budgets must balance multiple priorities including public safety and health. Sharp said he had started drafting a resolution about a funding strategy and welcomed bipartisan cooperation.
County staff and commissioners noted the formal budget process: budget hearings for supported agencies will begin May 7 and continue in subsequent meetings, and the commission will hold a dual agenda and regular meeting on May 14 where votes may be taken. Commissioners urged residents to engage with their district commissioner and to attend the scheduled hearings.
No formal funding change or referendum was decided at the meeting; commissioners discussed options and directed staff and members to continue conversations and consider a process that could include a referendum if the board chooses to pursue it.
