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Board members split on taxes but agree voters should decide
Summary
Board members expressed mixed views: some, citing school conditions and CIP backlog, supported letting voters decide; others said they are reluctant to raise taxes but would send the question to the ballot so citizens can weigh trade-offs. Several members stressed the need for clear voter information about which projects would be included.
Board members voiced both concern about adding a tax and support for putting the decision to voters.
"Am I thrilled about a new tax? Never am. But do I think the people should have the right to vote and voice their opinion?" Mr. Carroll said, noting the county’s history with prior referendums and the importance of clearly communicating which projects would be funded. Mr. Engel said he was reluctant to raise taxes personally but supported letting citizens decide; Dr. Hillman described constituent pressure in the Dale District for a new elementary school with a pre-K wing.
Multiple members emphasized clarity in outreach: Carroll and another member urged staff to make explicit which CIP projects would be packaged for the referendum so residents can judge whether the trade-offs are acceptable. The board’s voice vote approved sending the petition to the Circuit Court for placement on the November ballot.
