Williamson County Commission To Vote On Sales Tax Referendum

FRANKLIN, TN — Williamson County Commissioners will decide Monday if a school-funding sales tax increase should be put to voters.

Under the plan, devised by Williamson County Rogers Anderson, 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.

The school district estimates it needs more than $420 million by 2022 for construction and renovations in an effort to keep up with rapid school growth.

A new impact fee is also planned to help service the debt, though that fee — which could raise $25 million — is enjoined because it's being challenged in court.

Williamson County officials are trying to be creative to find ways to fund school debt as they've been historically reluctant to raise the property tax.

If the commission approves the referendum Monday, it's likely to be scheduled for a vote of the county's residents in late January. State law requires the election commission to set an election for 75 to 90 days after its approval by the county commission.

Image via Shutterstock