As the Hamilton County School Board and the County Commission continue to work towards the approval of a budget to fund public schools next year, some members want to consider the possibility of a sales tax increase to help make up for a large anticipated deficit in funding.
It has been estimated that the school district is lacking nearly $18.5 million in requested funding. According to district administrators, this deficit comes from a $12.5 million increase in healthcare costs, as well as a less-than-expected amount of revenue from loc al sales and property taxes.
While some board members are pushing for the district to find ways to make additional cuts, such as eliminating some of their central office staff, others argue that the County Commission needs to step up and find the necessary funding.
Commissioners David Sharpe and Joe Graham are working on a way for that funding to possibly be obtained through an increase in local sales tax.
