Hamilton County Schools superintendent Rick Smith, left, listens as Hamilton County Board of Education chairman George Ricks speaks during the school board meeting Thursday. The board voted 7-2 to approve Smith's proposed budget, which includes a property tax increase.
photo by M. A. Locke
The Hamilton County Board of Education voted 7-2 Thursday to approve a budget that adds $34 million in spending to pay for a five-percent employee pay increase and various program enhancements. Superintendent Rick Smith has proposed paying for the increase with a 40-cent property tax increase.
Board members Greg Martin and Rhonda Thurman voted against the budget, which now goes to the County Commission.
Mr. Martin said, "No one has knocked on my door saying please raise my taxes." He asked why the proposal wasn't brought last year when school board members were running for election.
Ms. Thurman said, "I don't think the board has been diligent in looking what we can cut." She said there had not been enough time for discussion.
Other board members expressed their approval of the budget. David Testerman said, "This is what's right for the future of Hamilton County. This is the right thing for the right time."
Karitsa Mosely said,"We're proposing a budget that meets our school needs."