The Christian County School Board could vote on a proposed 5.5 cent property tax increase as soon as their regular February meeting Thursday night.
A state-mandated Tax Levy Hearing is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, February 21st when citizens will be able to make their voices heard in support or in opposition to the proposed tax hike.
During a recent public forum, District Finance Director Jessica Darnell said new revenue from the tax hike would increase the school system’s bonding capacity to where it could construct a new academic building on the existing property at Hopkinsville High School and it could also mean additional help from the state.
Taking less than 5 cents would nix any hope of additional assistance from the state.
If approved, the tax rate on real property would increase from 42.8 to 48.3 cents per $100 of assessed value—meaning the owner of a $100,000 home would pay an extra $55 in property taxes annually.
The Board increased the tax rate from 41.6 to 42.8 cents in August of last year to raise projected revenues by an even four-percent.
The proposed tax increase is substantial enough that it’s recallable, meaning registered voters in Christian County could start a petition to attempt an override of the board’s decision, if it’s approved. The petition would have to be signed by at least 10 percent of the number of registered voters who voted in the 2016 presidential election in Christian County.
The Secretary of State reports 22,260 voted, so just over 2,200 people would have to sign to get the recall on the November General Election ballot.
The regular school board meeting is set for 6 p.m. Thursday, or immediately after the tax levy hearing.