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Other options exist for funding School Construction and Renovation

A letter to the editor from Keith Svadba on possible alternatives for funding new school construction and renovation.

The Official Logo of Montgomery County Tennessee
The Official Logo of Montgomery County Tennessee

Over the last week the school board made a request to the county commission budget committee for 56 million dollars for new construction of two schools and upgrades to North West High School. I do not think that anyone will argue against the need for new schools or that even more will not be needed in the coming years.

The County Commissioners find themselves faced with two options. Either raise taxes, or put off the construction. At present they are looking at a 6 cent increase in property tax from 2.88 to 2.94. This will an option that will be unpopular to most residents, and an undue burden to many.

What is driving our need for new schools? The growth of our city and county over the last ten years has been unparalleled. There is no sign that it will slow, Fort Campbell will add another Brigade this year. Hemlock Semiconductor Corporation will open next year bringing even more business and new people to our community resulting in a ever growing need for new homes, and of course more schools.

What are some alternatives to raising the property tax?

First, it is imperative to look at the adequate facilities tax (AFT), in Montgomery county. When issued a permit to build, you will pay a tax on the lot and the dwelling. If my information is up to date, on July 1, 2011 the cost will be $376.00 for each permit with a total of $752.00 for both. This should be increased to $1,000 per lot and $1,500 per dwelling with the resulting revenue being dedicated to the school  fund.

There are 5 school regions, 1 and 2 are the fastest growing and the new schools will likely be built in those zones. Using the school board numbers of 5,909 lots approved for homes in region 2 that would add $14,772,500 to the schools under the proposed AFT. I do not feel that an extra $2500 for a new home is that big a burden, especially when you are balancing the resulting demand for new schools.

Second military families that live in Montgomery County, and register their cars here, do not currently pay the wheel tax which goes to helps fund the schools. They are exempt because the Federal government is supposed to provide the state $13,000,000 dollars in impact money; however they gave only $3,000,000 last year. An effort should be made to get the law changed and instead of accepting the impact money, we should collect the wheel tax that would then be due on these vehicles instead.

The County Mayor and Commission should stand up for the people of the county who elected them, put the burden where it belongs on new development, and the developers.

This is their chance to show the people of this county that their county commission is not lodged in the back pocket of developers, as is so often implied. I can assure you that the people will not forget come the next election.

Keith Svadba
Keith Svadba
Keith Svadba is an Instructor at North Central Institute. He is an Army Veteran and member of the American legion. Keith has lived in his north Clarksville home since 1989. He is politically active in the Montgomery County Republican Party holding the office of Men’s co chair. He is Also the County Coordinator for the state 9-12 project.
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