Residents voice thoughts on potential tax increase to benefit Trussville City Schools

TRUSSVILLE, Ala. ( WIAT ) — Trussville residents will head to the polls on Tuesday to vote in a special municipal tax election.

The city and the school system are asking voters to approve a $12.9 million tax increase for expansion projects to accommodate the school district’s growth.

Trussville City Schools hopes to build a fourth elementary school and a new 22-classroom wing to Hewitt-Trussville High School. Hewitt-Trussville Middle School would also see two major expansions: a lunchroom expansion and an added gymnasium and special education classrooms.

The new tax rate would increase annual property taxes by $129 on a $100,000 home and $645 on a $500,000 home. The budget for the projects comes with a $90 million price tag.

Trussville residents had many thoughts on the proposal ahead of Tuesday’s vote.

“Trussville school went really big and all my kids got a fabulous education there,” Jenai Cox said. “So I would have to say I’m going to go with the vote just so my grandkids can experience what my children have.”

“I’m in favor of expanding,” Alyssa Thompson said. “I just feel like the increase is too much. If they would have done it at a lower percentage, they would have a higher chance of passing it.”

“I mean it’s still kind of 50-50 for me,” Joe Shaw said. “I don’t want to pay additional taxes but I would like to have the schools in good shape in Trussville.”

If the proposal fails to pass, TCS Superintendent Dr. Patrick Martin says the school district will consider re-zoning their elementary schools to accommodate the student population.

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