The Christian County Board of Education may vote Thursday night on increasing property taxes to aid in constructing new academic buildings.
The Board is seeking a 5.5 percent property tax increase for the projects. The increase equates to an extra $55 annually for $100,000 worth of property. The plan replaces academic portions of the high schools, but keeps the athletic facilities.
Chief Operations Officer Brad Hawkins said the buildings are in need of replacement.
“On our facility plan, buildings are rated one to five with five being the worst and that is where Hopkinsville High School is currently and Christian County High School is at a four,” Hawkins said.
According to Hawkins, both of the public high schools were built in the 1960s.
Hawkins said if the board approves the tax it could be recalled, or affirmed if enough citizens sign a petition to bring it to a vote. They would have 45 days to gather signatures. If the ‘nickel tax’ passes without a petition, the property tax goes into effect in October.
A public forum on the tax is at 5:30 p.m. at the Board of Education Central Office at 200 Glass Ave in Hopkinsville, Ky.
Note: This story has been updated to better credit the source we interviewed. Brad Hawkins was originally credited as Brad Darnell.
