Following a lengthy public hearing Friday afternoon, members of the Trigg County Board of Education unanimously passed on second reading a nickel tax for increased bonding potential and imminent capital projects.
Board members asserted that taking the nickel now, as opposed to “kicking the can” down the road 5-to-10 years, meant getting six cents per $100 of property valuation at a four-cent issue — due to the nation’s stark increase in property costs, and the state’s ability to match raised funds.
In even clearer base terms, this means a property assessed at $100,000 would see its property school tax increased $40 now, rather than $60 later.
Because, as board member Clara Beth Hyde noted, this tax was begrudgingly coming either way — with the high school being eyed as the next massive project for the district.
Board member Theresa Allen noted that this body didn’t raise taxes in the past two fiscal years.
During the public hearing, a pair of former Trigg County superintendents, Tim McGinnis and Jim Wallace, spoke very much in favor of the nickel.
McGinnis issued that it probably should’ve happened under his tenure.
Wallace, who served when SEEK matching funds were first created by the state, said Trigg County “drug its feet” in those days — not really getting with the program until 1996.
Local businessman and Trigg County graduate John David Fourqurean said his family was impacted either way the vote went: a wife teaching in the school, a student in the system, and a property owner in the area.
Whatever the call, Fourqurean asked for the board to “tell their story” — and to explain exactly where funds would go, and why.
Another local businessman and Trigg County graduate David McCraw said improved scholastics were more important than a major focus on sports and facility upgrades, and he was frustrated the packed meeting was held at the smaller board office.
Citizen Susan Wade noted that she was appalled the public forum was held at noon, rather than a more appropriate time where more people could attend.
Another citizen, Terry Wolfe, said that Trigg County and its officials should be more focused on bringing something like a Wal-Mart and better jobs to the area, because many Wildcats graduates “don’t stick around.”
If Trigg Countians were to replicate Christian County’s efforts in rebuking a nickel tax, a petition must be filed with Carmen Finley and the Trigg County Clerk’s Office within 45 days of Friday. A vote for the nickel then must occur 35 days within that petition being filed with the clerk.
The number of Trigg County residential signatures required is based on 25% of the last Presidential Election turnout, which from 2020 comes to 1,849.
FULL BOARD MEETING:
Tim McGinnis:
The Caldwells:
Erika Steip:
David Wells:
John David Fourqurean:
Terry Wolfe:
Rudy Pierce:
Lee Vervoort:
John Oliver:
Susan Wade:
David McCraw:
Bill Zubser:
Jim Wallace: