In November, Macon County voted no to a quarter-cent sales tax. The measure's intent was to raise revenue for major projects like building a new Franklin High School.
As school planning continues, county leaders are considering their funding options
Had the quarter-cent sales tax passed in November, Macon County leaders said it would have generated more than $2 million a year in revenue that would have helped pay for capital projects like building a new high school. Since it failed, though, it's back to the drawing board to figure out funding for the school.
“It was defeated, I think, 55% to 45%,” Macon County Manager Derek Roland said.
He said planning has continued for a new Franklin High on the footprint of the current school. The architecture firm recommended a new facility instead of renovation because trying to modernize multiple existing structures and bringing them into American with Disabilities compliance could be more costly.
“As with any dated building, there's a host of issues,” Roland said.
With the sales tax revenue off the table, Roland said the county will consider other pathways to pay for a new school -- with a price tag that could top well more than $100 million.
“I know we're going to continue pursuing the needs-based public-school funding from North Carolina. You can get up to $50 million in funding from that grant. Macon County has applied twice, and we do plan on applying again,” Roland said. “You discussed the option of property tax ... All those are going to be ... will have to be a part of the discussion."
Roland said county commissioners could also consider another sales tax referendum.
But overall, he said, the funding formula depends on what the architect's final plans look like.
“Once we have a clearer picture of what that looks like, then I think we're ready to start discussing funding,” Roland said.
The school board and commissioners will take the lead.
“There's still a lot of investigating and a lot of conversations before this goes forward,” Macon County Commissioner John Shearl said.
Shearl, at this juncture, isn’t sure what route a new Franklin High might take.
“I'm not completely satisfied that we need to tear down all those buildings,” he said.
Paying for the high school with a sales tax divided residents last fall.
Roland said the architect will come to the kickoff of budget discussions on Feb. 9.