Special election for proposed tax increase expected to be set for Sept. 10

MADISON – Residents in Madison will soon learn when a special election will be held to decide the fate of a proposed 12-mill property tax increase for the Madison City School District.

The Alabama legislature passed a bill recently paving the way for the referendum to be held in Madison. A second bill was passed setting the stage for a similar election in the town of Triana, since children living there attend Madison City schools. Voters in both municipalities must ultimately decide whether they want the tax increase.

In Madison, the special election is expected to be set for Sept. 10 by the city council. Madison Mayor Paul Finley said in a weekly update to city leaders the proposed election date will be on the agenda for the May 13 city council meeting.

If the tax increase passes in the special election, the additional tax revenue would support the construction of new schools for the Madison City Schools district to combat overcrowding. It will provide 10 mils for a new elementary and middle school, one mil for high school additions and one mil for instructional programs and safety.

At the State of the Schools address Feb. 26, Madison City Schools Superintendent Robby Parker proposed building a new elementary school on 20 acres of land the school district already owns next to the Kroger on Wall Triana Highway. It would hold about 900 students.

Parker also proposed building a new middle school, which would hold 1,200 students in grades six to eight. It would be built behind the central office on Celtic Drive.

“If the tax passes, my recommendation is that we move to get these schools built for 2021,” Parker said.

A 12-mill increase would add about $120 annually per $100,000 actual value of the property, or $10 per month.