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Tax increase: Alcorn board
seeks revenue boost
Published Friday, July 24
By Brant Sappington
Staff Writer
The Alcorn Board of Education voted Thursday to approve a budget for the 2009-2010 school year, including a tax hike for residents of the school district.
The board voted 4-1 to approve the new budget which included a 1.52 mill tax increase. The district expects to bring in $6,458,824 through ad valorem taxes in the new fiscal year, compared to $4,937,962 for the current year.
Fifth District Board Member Randy Wilbanks cast the lone vote against the new budget. Wilbanks said he's opposed to any tax increase given the current economic climate and believes there are other places the district can cut expenses to avoid the need for an increase.
"I think we're taxed to death already," said Wilbanks.
A sparse crowd attended a public hearing held last Tuesday to allow the public to comment on the budget proposal.
In his monthly report to the board, Superintendent Stacy Suggs said the district is in the process of preparing paperwork to apply for an interest free loan of up to $3 million from the federal stimulus act which would be available for the 2010-2011 fiscal year. If the loan is received it would be designated for construction or renovation projects and would have a tight timetable for its use.
The funding is designed to stimulate the creation of jobs by encouraging immediate projects. Suggs said district officials and administrators have been discussing potential projects during strategic planning sessions. Noting the need to move quickly if the money is received, Board Member Dr. Linda Brooks said it's important for the district to be planning now for projects which could use the funding.
The board also approved a change to board policy regarding the video or audio recording of public board meetings. The previous policy restricted the recording of such meetings. Under the new policy, recording will be permitted providing the board is notified the meeting is being recorded.
In other business, the board:
- heard from Christy Barnes, a parent concerned about the district's policy regarding the placement of eighth grade students in either algebra, pre-algebra or transitional algebra classes and the implementation of that policy. After a lengthy discussion regarding Barnes' daughter, the board agreed to discuss the matter further and make a decision about how best to deal with her specific situation.
- approved a sub-lease agreement between the Union Center Volunteer Fire Department and the fifth district of Alcorn County for use of the former Union Center school building as a fifth district maintenance shop. The fire department had leased the building from the school district as its fire station, but has moved into a new facility and will be sub-leasing the building to the county under the new agreement.
The board of supervisors recently approved the agreement pending school board approval.
- heard from Kathryn Chapman who encouraged all district officials and community members to join in the annual school prayer walk set for Saturday, August 1.
