Commission puts Raglan School ad valorem tax on ballot; companion resolution clarifies abatement authority

The St. Clair County Commission voted to place a five-mill ad valorem tax measure for the Raglan School attendance and tax district on the ballot after hearing supporters from the town and school board.

A speaker urging the measure told the commission the tax is aimed at keeping Raglan High School open. The commission adopted two companion resolutions: one to call an election on the proposed tax and a second acknowledging the commission’s authority to reduce or remit the tax to zero if the school were to close in the future.

A supporter framed the vote in personal terms. "It's very important to the town of Raglan," the supporter said, urging residents to back the measure. The speaker recounted seeing a local young man wearing a Raglan High School jersey and said maintaining the school is about the students and community continuity.

Board members, local officials and the mayor of Raglan spoke in favor of placing the issue before voters; trustees thanked the commission for moving quickly to put the measure on the ballot. The commission called for the election to be held in May for voters who reside in the tax district.

Procedure and next steps: the commission made and seconded the motions and recorded a voice vote in favor of both resolutions. If voters approve the tax, the county’s companion resolution notes the commission has the authority to abate the tax in the future if the school's purpose ceases.

The measure will appear on the local ballot in May. The commission did not provide a precise ballot title or the implementation date in the meeting record.