May 25, 2013
Houston County voters could soon be headed to the polls to decide on a proposed tax increase for local schools.
County commissioners are ready to set a date to decide the issue. Officials have still not decided exactly what will be voted on.
Houston County Commissioners want to hold a public referendum on Feb. 4 to provide additional funding for local schools. School officials want three questions to appear on the ballot.
Do voters favor a countywide five-mil property tax increase with the money divided between the county and Dothan city school systems?
Do voters favor a countywide half-cent sales tax hike for both systems or do they want a three-mil property tax increase in rural areas for just county schools?
But County Commission Chairman Mark Culver wants to keep things simple by placing only two questions on the ballot.
Houston County Commissioners will vote Monday on exactly what questions will be placed on the Feb. 4 ballot.
Officials also discussed possibly consolidating the Dothan City and Houston County School Systems at the meeting. The move would save on administrative costs, but would require legislative approval.
Officials said the question can be addressed after the funding problem is settled.
