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Residents press Nelson County supervisors to support schools, consider sales tax referendum
Summary
Multiple residents urged the Nelson County Board of Supervisors to bolster school funding and to let voters decide on an optional 1% local sales tax; speakers cited state funding shifts and urged retention of teachers through cost-of-living increases.
At a Nelson County Board of Supervisors meeting, multiple residents urged the board to take steps to stabilize school funding and let voters decide on a local sales-tax referendum to support school capital and operations. Joe Richardson told the board that state Local Composite Index adjustments have shifted a larger share of school funding responsibility onto Nelson County and asked officials to consider additional local support for FY2027.
"Nelson County Schools are foundational to the stability of our community," Richardson said, urging supervisors to "consider what additional local support may be necessary" and to allow citizens to decide how to support their schools.
The appeal was echoed by several speakers. Cassie Kelly, a parent and Nelson County graduate, and Elizabeth Puttpark described teachers' outsized contributions to students and urged pay increases. "Teachers shape the minds and hearts of our precious children," Kelly said, asking the board to approve cost-of-living increases so schools can retain staff.
Debbie White asked the board to initiate the process for "an optional 1% sales tax" to fund school capital, saying residents should be permitted to vote on the matter. Student Charlotte Putfark also spoke briefly in support of teachers and urged supervisors to invest in classrooms.
Some commenters urged alternatives to a sales tax. Steven Bain recommended prioritizing an admissions tax introduced earlier in the year, arguing it would be paid largely by visitors rather than local homeowners.
Why it matters: Speakers said the county faces recurring funding pressure that could erode programs and staff if unaddressed. The board did not adopt a decision on the referendum during the meeting; public comments closed before the board moved through the consent agenda and routine resolutions.
What’s next: Board members will continue FY2027 budget deliberations; no referendum motion was made during this session.
