Baldwin Tax Hike Goes To Voters

Voters in Baldwin County will get to offer their two cents on a one cent tax hike.

County commissioners approved a measure Tuesday to put a tax referendum on a ballot. Baldwin County school officials say the extra penny, which will be designated for the Baldwin County Board of Education, would generate $25 million a year in new revenue.

The school district has lost more than $61 million over the last two years in state and local funding, and school officials insist without the extra cash they could be forced to lay off more teachers, close additional schools and cut programs.

In 2008, the school district cut 115 jobs and in 2009 slashed another 350. The school district also locked the doors on two schools: Vaughn Elementary and the Baldwin County Alternative School.

"I don't know that there has ever been a more critical vote to the benefit and welfare of the school district ever," said Dr. Faron Hollinger, Superintendent of Baldwin County Schools.

School officials hope the vote will take place by March, though a date has not yet been scheduled.

According to a Survey USA poll conducted last week, Baldwin County residents are split on the tax. Fifty-one percent said they'd support the referendum, while 49% opposed it.

During Tuesday's commission meeting, Dr. Gary Branch, President of Faulkner State Community College, asked commissioners to include their school in the referendum. Branch, who says he supports the tax for Baldwin schools, insists the community college should get some of the revenue.

District Four Commissioner Charles Gruber says Faulkner is not part of the current referendum, but he would be open to looking at ways to help the college find additional funding in the future.