Chickasaw residents vote on property tax hike

CHICKASAW, Ala. (WALA) - Chickasaw residents will head to the poll on Tuesday, February 19th to vote on a referendum that would raise property taxes to fund the city’s new school system.

The referendum would increase property taxes by 7.5-mill.  That represents an annual increase of $75 per year on a home valued at $100,000.

School system officials say the money is needed to pay for athletic and arts programs.

City councilman Adam Bourne is encouraging residents to vote "yes."  In a statement on his website, Bourne told residents “You can help continue the progress of our city; you can rebuild your property values and secure the future of your city. The choice is clear. $5 per month in property taxes is a small price to pay for a superior city school that will increase property values, decrease crime and bring our community together like never before.”

Residents can cast their votes Tuesday, February 19, 2013 between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. at the J.C. Davis Auditorium, 400 Thompson Blvd., in Chickasaw.