May 23, 2013
On Sept. 10, Dothan residents will be asked to approve a three mill property tax increase for city schools.
The school board said the increase is absolutely necessary and Wednesday, they gained an important ally. The Dothan Area Chamber Board of Directors voted unanimously to support the tax referendum.
It was June 24 that the school board called for the Sept. 10 vote on the property tax.
Knowing that one of the first questions would be how the money would be spent, the board voted to use the funds to restore nine elementary and middle school music and art teachers.
There would also be five elementary enrichment teachers. The 14 teaching positions were cut last year due to funding cuts.
Monies would also help maintain buildings and help restore a depleted reserve fund urged by the state.
The board said it's rare for them to take a public stance, but in this case the importance of education to quality jobs and the standard of living for every resident makes it critical that the small tax increase be approved.
We would like your comments and thoughts on the property tax vote set for Sept. 10. We will share your concerns during a live broadcast Aug. 27 at 6:30 p.m. If you would like to participate, please e-mail your comments to: Al Roberts.
