Commission votes to put 15-mill Odenville school tax on November ballot

The Saint Clair County Commission voted to place a proposed 15-mill property tax for the Odenville school attendance/tax district on the November general election ballot after a presentation from the county school system.

John Ray, attorney for the Saint Clair County Board of Education, explained the legal process and timing for the measure, telling commissioners that if voters approve the tax "it would not go into effect until October 2027" because the county must assess and collect the levy at the February assessment date. Ray said the constitutional amendment at issue requires that all money raised by the tax "stay in the Odenville community" and be spent only within the district that imposes it.

School-system officials asked the commission to adopt the board resolution asking the commission to call the election. The chair moved to adopt Resolution 2026-35 (calling the election); the motion was seconded and carried. Commissioners said they preferred placing the question on the November general-election ballot so wider voter participation is possible.

Supporters at the board meeting said the revenue would fund district projects (the board mentioned a proposed new middle school), while commissioners asked staff for clarification on the timetable and how the county and school board would coordinate assessment and collection. The board's presentation and the legal explanation were clear that, under the amendment, the proceeds are restricted to the district that passed the tax.

Next steps: the commission adopted the resolution to call the election; staff will include the measure on November ballots and then follow the county's statutory/administrative scheduling to assess and collect the tax if voters approve it.