Madison and Triana set date for special election

MADISON – Madison and Triana officially set the date for a special election to decide the fate of a proposed 12-mill property tax increase for the Madison City School District.

The Madison City Council and Triana Town Council voted tonight to set the election for Sept. 10.

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.

If the tax increase passes in the special election, the additional tax revenue would support the construction of two new schools for the Madison City School 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.

Madison City Schools Superintendent Robby Parker said he is confident voters will ultimately decide in favor of the tax increase. “I have seen from the very beginning that our city is committed to having a world class school system,” he said.

Parker has 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.

“We must continue to grow and build as our student population grows,” Parker said. “We grew by almost 600 students in just one year.”

Parker said he his focus right now is on finishing up the school year strong. “But, immediately after that we will begin further educating residents in Madison and Triana that on Sept. 10 they will have an opportunity to continue making our schools one of America’s best school systems.”