Sheffield voters will determine mill tax's future

SHEFFIELD -- School district officials remain hopeful voters will see fit to retain a 20-year-old property tax that benefits city schools.

Voters will have their say Tuesday as they determine whether the city will keep collecting the 5-mill property tax that goes directly to the school district's operating budget.

Sheffield, even with this particular 5-mill tax, already has the lowest millage rate in the Shoals, with 19 mills of tax going directly to the schools. In comparison, Florence has the most at 25 mills.

A mill equals one cent in tax for each $1,000 in assessed property value. On a $100,000 house, a-5-mill tax will cost a homeowner $5 annually.

If the measure fails Tuesday, it will mean Sheffield's school district will only collect 14 mills.

In Sheffield, 1 mill of property tax generates about $40,000, according to Sheffield City Clerk Clayton Kelly. Without the 5-mill tax, Sheffield schools will lose about $200,000.

Only Sheffield residents will vote in the election.

"If the people don't vote it back in, it'll definitely hurt the school district," Kelly said. "It's strictly a renewal tax. It's important for people to know that. It isn't a new tax."

Superintendent Richard Gardner said Tuesday's

election is crucial for Sheffield schools. He said several programs will suffer or be in jeopardy if the renewal is defeated.

"There's no way to take that kind of cut and still be able to offer our students all the same programs we're currently offering," Gardner said.

Gardner remains optimistic. He says he has every reason to believe the vote will turn out in favor of the school district.

"I think the people of Sheffield believe in education and that the vote will be a positive one," Gardner said.

Systemwide, information has been provided for parents to help them understand the importance of the vote.

The school district's allocation from the city was cut $395,000 for this school year.

"To lose this (millage) would be devastating," Gardner said.

Lisa Singleton-Rickman can be reached at 740-5735 or lisa.singleton-rickman@timesdaily.com.