At the request of local school officials, members Coffee County Commission agreed during a March 11 meeting to host a countywide special election on May 14.
Enterprise City Schools Superintendent Aaron Milner, Coffee County Schools Superintendent Don McPherson and Elba City Schools Superintendent Rick Rainer requested the county hold the vote to decide whether or not to renew ad valorem taxes.
These taxes, which are based off the property owned by an individual, must be renewed every 30 years and provide vital school funds.
The three school systems in Coffee County receive half of all ad valorem taxes collected in the county.
According to Coffee County Revenue Commissioner Ronnie Burns, the millage equates to approximately $1,507,300 in funding for Coffee County Schools, $2,634,300 for Enterprise City Schools and $257,500 for Elba City Schools.
“These dollars are vital to the students and the parents of Coffee County,” Milner said. “They keep us afloat.”
Milner said ad valorem taxes fund teacher and guidance counselor units, in addition to helping schools cover utility costs.
According to Milner, the renewal won’t cost the taxpayers anything more than what they are already paying.
In other news, the county agreed to start receiving bids for paper and supplies, which will be able to be renewed for up to three years.
The commissioners also approved a request from the Coffee County Sheriff’s office, which allows the department to use $11,000 received from an insurance payout for the purchase of a new patrol vehicle.
The purchase will replace a patrol vehicle that was totaled in accident earlier this year.
The Coffee County Commission will meet again at 9 a.m., March 25, in New Brockton.
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