Property tax hike proposed to help Autauga County Schools

The Autauga County school board has approved a property tax increase, which must still win voters’ support.

First, the proposed 7 mill increase would have to be approved by the Alabama Legislature before it can go on the ballot. It is not clear if the legislature would take up the proposal before this year’s session ends. If it doesn’t, then it would be next year before it could go before voters.

Right now, school system leaders are trying to build public support.

“We are currently doing community meetings,” Autauga Co. Schools Supt. Lyman Woodfin told Action 8 News. “We’ve already met in Billingsley and Autaugaville. This Thursday at 6PM ,we will be at Marbury High School and then next Tuesday, at Prattville High School in the gym. We will be meeting with both of those communities. At those meetings, we’re going over all of our budget issues. We’re going over our long-term plans. We’re taking questions and answers from parents so they can have input on what we’re trying to do.

A 7 mill increase would be an increase of about $70 a year in property taxes on a $100,000 home. Woodfin says the money would be used  to build new schools and for teachers.