Weeks of debate over two school tax propositions in Monroe ended Saturday, with both measures projected to fail.
Both School Tax Propositions Likely to Fail
Proposition 1, intended to generate about $6.3 million a year to cover utility costs, failed to pass, receiving 52% “no” votes to 48% “yes.”
Proposition 2, expected to bring in $2.69 million a year for additional operations support (excluding staff salaries), also failed with the same 52% to 48% margin.
Supporters Cite Benefits to Schools
Monroe City Schools Superintendent Sam Moore III said the millage renewals would have helped maintain school facilities and cover essential costs such as water, gas, sewer services, and fuel for school buses. He also noted that the funding could have helped purchase new buses.
“These millage renewals have been around our school system for over 60 years,” Moore said. “They’ve been very beneficial in helping us maintain facilities, pay utilities, fuel buses, and hopefully purchase new buses in the future.”
Opposition Highlights Rising Taxes
School board member Bill Willson disagreed with Moore, saying the renewals would raise tax bills as property values increase.
“If the value of your property goes up — which it has in recent years, especially in north Monroe — you’re paying a higher tax based on that assessment,” Willson said. “Approximately 90% of the ad valorem taxes to Monroe City Schools are paid by people on the north side. That’s why many are concerned about this renewal.”
Calls for Transparency from Chamber of Commerce
Mike Downhour, President and CEO of the Monroe Chamber of Commerce, said the school district needs to be more transparent about existing revenue use.
“There’s a $20 million surplus right now, and sales tax revenues are higher than normal,” Downhour said. “We don’t know exactly what the district needs the full $90 million for. A strategic plan and transparency about the funding would help the public understand why this money is needed.”
