Advocates Cite Big Business Interests Opposing Property Tax Increase For TCS

TUSCALOOSA, AL — A grassroots group advocating for a property tax increase to provide additional funding to Tuscaloosa City Schools (TCS) is taking aim at developers and business interests bankrolling a campaign to oppose the measure.

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As Patch previously reported, the Committee to Secure the Future — headed up by teacher and former Verner Elementary Principal Beth Curtis and former Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama Board Chair Michele Coley — says Tuscaloosa City Schools have not seen an increase in ad valorem funding in nearly four decades, despite inflation surging by 187%, while school costs have risen by 272%.

With the property tax referendum coming up on Sept. 24, the group on Friday pointed out that a small group of "millionaires" is funding a billboard campaign opposing the tax increase, insisting that it is part of an effort to promote misinformation relating to the needs of Tuscaloosa’s school children.

“If you’ve seen the billboards attacking funding for our children’s future, you need to know who is behind them,” Curtis said. “Multi-million dollar real estate firms want you to vote against our children’s future.”

According to financial disclosures obtained by Tuscaloosa Patch, at least a half dozen developers and one individual have contributed $16,000 to a political action committee (PAC) operating under the moniker of Stop The Big Tax.

The Committee to Secure the Future also cited the contributions as coming from families and firms that oversee significant rental property holdings in Tuscaloosa, before claiming the businesses are purposefully spreading misinformation to "protect their pocketbooks over the needs of our school children."

Here's a breakdown of contributors to the PAC:

• Advantage Realty Group - $1,000
• Sherrill Realty Co. - $3,000
• The Builders Group - $2,000
• Highlands Limited Partnership - $5,000
• Capstone Properties - $2,500
• Frances M. Harris - $1,250
• Harris & Plott LLC - $1,250

The financial disclosures also show that Frances Harris, Capstone Properties and Harris & Plott LLC, have the same 23rd Avenue mailing address.

An online search of business entity records filed with the Alabama Secretary of State's Office provides some insight into the aforementioned firms, with Richard Ellis listed as the primary agent for Advantage Realty Group, while Phillip Weaver is the registered agent for Highlands Limited Partnership.

Developer Brock Corder is the registered agent for the Builders Group LLC.

As Patch previously reported, if the property tax increase is passed, it would result in the city's property tax millage rate increasing by up to 11.5 mills. If the measure is voted down at the ballot box, TCS says it will be required to make additional staffing cuts, including reducing up to 50 educators.

The current millage rate — unchanged since 1986 — for homeowners in Tuscaloosa is 51.5 mills, of which TCS receives 15.5 mills, plus an additional 1.8 mill. If passed in September, the city's total millage rate would increase by roughly 22%.

TCS has also said it would be forced to remain stagnant on pay for teachers if the measure fails, which could decrease the school system's ability to ensure future funding of essential safety needs.

TCS Superintendent Mike Daria explained earlier this summer that the proposed increase would generate around $17.25 million a year starting in 2025, which would then be used to fund school safety, employee recruiting/retention and expanded programs for students.

If passed, TCS says the additional funding will be used for the following initiatives:

• Guaranteed pre-K for all.
• An officer in every school, all day.
• Year-round art and music in elementary schools.
• Drivers education, financial literacy classes in high school.
• More reading/math interventionists for struggling learners.
• Rigorous academics, including expanded AP classes and expanded dual-enrollment.
• Expanded career and technical education.
• Retaining and recruiting educators through competitive pay.
• Updating safety technology.

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