Countywide Sales Tax Increase For Schools Closer To Reality After Thompson's Station Vote

THOMPSON'S STATION, TN — Thompson's Station aldermen approved plan to present a 0.5 percent local sales tax increase to voters with half of the revenue dedicated to the county school district. The town is the last of Williamson County's municipalities to sign on to the proposal championed by county mayor Rogers Anderson. Franklin, Brentwood, Nolensville and Spring Hill already approved the plan; Fairview is exempt because it is already at the state's maximum tax rate.

Under the plan, the county's cities will raise the local-option sales tax from 2.25 to 2.75 cents with half the increase going to school debt service and the other half retained by the cities. The plan could raise $70 million over three years, according to county finance officials. (For more updates on this story and free news alerts for your neighborhood, sign up for your local Middle Tennessee Patch morning newsletter.)

An increase in property taxes has been rejected repeatedly by the county commission, but the school system says it needs $421.45 million through 2022 to pay for new construction and renovations.

The Williamson County Commission is likely to vote on the final OK for the plan at its October meeting, after which a countywide referendum will be scheduled for approval by voters.

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