By Gary Lloyd
TRUSSVILLE — Trussville Mayor Gene Melton and Trussville City Schools Superintendent Pattie Neill expressed optimism in the plan for two new community elementary schools.
Trussville residents will vote for or against a seven-millage property tax increase in a citywide election Feb. 25, 2014. Should the property tax increase pass, revenues would fund one community school in the Magnolia Place area and the renovation of the New Deal-era school building on Parkway Drive, which has served as a high school and middle school. Both schools would be equipped with Federal Emergency Management Agency-approved community tornado shelters.
A seven-mill increase equates to $70 per year extra on homes appraised at $100,000, $140 extra per year on homes appraised at $200,000 and $210 extra per year on homes appraised at $300,000.
Melton said he believes this property tax increase proposal differs from the one that was overwhelmingly voted down in March 2010 because it is more focused on the advancement of the school system.
Melton said the plan for two community schools is “excellent.” He said traffic congestion will be alleviated in certain areas of the city, students will learn more by having smaller class sizes and 14 portable classrooms at the Paine Elementary Campus will be done away with.
“I really believe that’s a good plan,” he said.
Neill echoed Melton’s thoughts, saying that 90 percent of Trussville City Schools employees favor the property tax increase to help the school system. The plan for two community elementary schools means no more students in portable classrooms.
“We really do believe this is what the community wants,” Neill said.
Trussville City Councilman Alan Taylor said it is “unacceptable” that Trussville has students in portables. He called it a “waiting time bomb.” Councilman Anthony Montalto said the new schools will make Trussville an “exciting place to live” over the next several decades.
Contact Gary Lloyd at news@trussvilletribune.com and follow him on Twitter @GaryALloyd.