Commisioners' thoughts on voter tax

BAY MINETTE, Ala. - Baldwin County voters will decide on a sales tax referendum worth $75 million to support Baldwin County schools. The system faces a $7.7 million shortfall this year. But leaders from Faulkner State say they should get some of that money, too.

On Tuesday county commissioners voted to let the people decide on the one cent sales tax referendum. It would support county schools. They say the measure would be temporary, lasting just three years if approved.

"I think by allowing the citizens to vote on this tax is the best way to go," said Commissioner Charles Gruber.

However, leaders from Faulkner State say they should get some of the $75 million as well. President Gary Branch says the budget crisis is affecting his school as well.

"We were hoping that we could be included in that distribution since Faulkner State is a public institution within the county," said Branch.

In the end, commissioners decided to pass the referendum without including Faulkner. Commissioners say they just could not do it.

"There was no room for looking at trying to split the funding," said Gruber.

Now school board leaders say their game plan is to educate the public.

"I think that of all the entities that support public education in Baldwin County, I don't think there has been a more important time for the future," said Superintendent Faron Hollinger.

Board members say the school budget needs to see a brighter day. The probate judge must now set a date for the vote, which could be as early as March.

If passed, the school district would get $25 million a year. Also, 98 percent of the tax would go to the school board. The other two percent would go to county administrative costs.