Photo by Ron Burkett.
Paine Elementary School.
A 30-year-old ad valorem tax is expiring and Trussville residents will soon decide if it will be renewed.
Trussville residents will vote Tuesday, April 12 whether or not to renew the ad valorem tax that has existed since 1992. The tax generates approximately $4 million for Trussville City Schools’ programs that receive no state funding, including band, athletics, clubs, all other extracurricular activities, and 25 locally funded teachers above the state minimum program.
The tax is not new, but a vote to realign the current tax that is expiring.
According to a Trussville City Schools messaging sheet about the potential tax renewal, key messages include:
- Maintain educational excellence: We must preserve funding levels to maintain our educational excellence – locally funded teachers/smaller classes sizes, state-of-the-art technology, enhancements to athletics, band, extracurricular programs, and revenue for future capital projects as Trussville continues to grow.
- Uphold Trussville’s quality of life: An excellent school system is the foundation for a thriving community and benefits everyone. Preserving funding for our schools upholds the quality of our community, supports the city’s growth, and greatly enhances home property values.
- Prepare for growth: As of the latest Census data, Trussville is one of Alabama’s fastest-growing cities. New homes mean more students. We ask that our citizens vote “for” the tax renewal so that we may continue to provide safe facilities, state-of-the-art technology, and educational excellence for our students.
Homeowners’ tax rates will not increase. Currently, homeowners are paying 8.8 mills on Amendment 82, which is the expiring amendment, and 5.1 mills on Amendment 3 for a total of 13.9 mills. Combining these amendments, which is the purpose of the tax renewal vote, will not increase homeowners’ tax rates.
Trussville residents who live in the Jefferson County portion of the city will have the opportunity to vote at their designated voting precinct.
