On Nov. 4, Alabamians will vote on whether to levy a tax on residents of Limestone County that have annexed into the City of Madison in a measure that could have “far-reaching effects,” a judge said.
The proposal, which appears on the ballot as Constitutional Amendment 3, would collect 10.5-mil ad valorem tax from annexed residents to fund Madison City Schools.
The wording of the proposed amendment, which was approved for the ballot by the Legislature last year, said the tax is “for the purpose of equalizing the rate of ad valorem taxation in those portions of the City of Madison located in Limestone County with the portions of the city located in Madison County.” It would mandate that Madison residents inside Limestone County pay the same tax Madison residents pay to help fund city schools.
Currently, a portion of Limestone County residents’ taxes help fund Limestone County Schools.
Dee Fowler, superintendent of Madison City Schools, did not return a call to his office Friday.
According to Limestone County Probate Judge Mike Davis, the portion of the City of Madison inside Madison County has more than 23,600 registered voters, and the portion of the city inside Limestone County has about 1,350 registered voters.
He said it is unlikely the measure will fail because Limestone voters have little voice.
Davis said he was unaware of the measure before he saw it on the ballot and said many residents may not know of the proposal.
Although it is a statewide amendment, the measure requires a majority vote of Madison registered voters. It could pass statewide but still would not be implemented if it does not pass in Madison, Davis said.
However, if the measure does pass statewide but fails in Madison, members of the Madison City Council would be allowed to call for subsequent elections every 12 months without legislative approval.
“It appears to be an effort to ensure the success of the tax-raising measure,” Davis said.
But if the measure fails to gain a majority of voters statewide, it could not be brought back before voters without legislative approval.
Davis said he does not recall any legislation that addresses taxation in annexed portions of a county, making this amendment groundbreaking.
“This amendment has far-reaching effects,” he said. “If this passes, Huntsville and Decatur will be lining up to do the same thing next time.”
Local News
Tax on November ballot
Official thinks locals may be surprised voters statewide to decide fate of 10.5-mil school levy
- Local News
-
-
Burial detail seeks new members
The detail, which provides free military honors for families who request it, typically serves at 50 to 60 funerals per year. This year, Keyes said, the group has provided honors at more than 40 funerals already.
-
Ardmore Welcome Center turns 35
On Thursday, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m., the Center will celebrate its 35th anniversary and the public is invited.
-
Governor kills bill on tax appeals
Business groups pushing the legislation say they will try again in the next legislative session.
-
17 veterans assistance offices closing in Alabama
The offices are being closed because of severe funding cuts to agencies funded by the state General Fund budget.
-
Local morning update for May 29, 2012
VIRAL VIDEO OF THE DAY
This couple in Kansas didn’t seem too concerned about a tornado churning off in the distance as they exchanged vows. -
Ala. schools take different approaches to calendar
A new law requiring Alabama schools to start later in the year has some districts cutting holidays while others have students attending longer class days fewer times throughout the year.
-
MORE STORIES: Click LOCAL NEWS bar at top left
Click "Local News" bar at top left for more stories
-
Limestone grand jury indicts 149
A recent panel of jurors found there was adequate evidence to formally charge 149 people on crimes involving drugs, property and violence.
-
City shows off new CNG-powered ride
“It amazes me we haven’t gone to this a long time ago,” said Mayor Ronnie Marks, while giving an overview of the vehicle.
-
Deputies investigate report of downed balloon, find nothing
Witnesses on Mooresville Road near Nick Davis Road called in the balloon report Sunday evening about 8 p.m.
- More Local News Headlines
-
California's Foie Gras Ban About to Begin
6-Year-Old Going to National Spelling Bee
Video Essay: Funky Winkerbean Comic Turns 40
On Thailand Trip, Suu Kyi Visits Migrants
Raw Video: Pink Diamond Auctioned for $17.4M
Hurricane Andrew Remembered, 20 Years Later
Sister Says She Reported Brother in Patz Killing
Patz Suspect's Sister: I Went to Police in 1980s
Diplomatic Expulsions Follow Fresh Syria Report
15 Dead in Northern Italy's 5.8-magnitude Quake
Angry Birds Spreading Their Wings
Witness Describes Fla. Face-chewing Attack
Man Falls Off Crane, Dies After Police Standoff
Russia Condemns Ally Syria Over Massacre of 108
Dairy Farm Uses Chiropractor to Help Cows
Unexpected Smog in Pristine National Parks
Air Canada Plane Makes Emergency Landing
New Ticks Spread Across Southeast, Diseases Rise
Bring Your Own Tech Programs Charge Up Students
Pope's Butler Vows to Help Vatican Investigation
