The cabinets in art teacher Kari Garrett’s classroom at Lake Forest Middle School in Cleveland are falling from their hinges in this file photo.CLEVELAND, Tenn. – A Bradley County Commission vote on an 8 cent property tax increase, intended to fund $14 million in proposed renovations at Lake Forest Middle School, has been postponed again.
Commissioner Jeff Morelock, who sponsored the tax increase proposal, asked Monday that the issue be addressed during the commission’s June 17 meeting.
However, commissioners did grapple with the possibility of the Bradley County Board of Education contributing money to the middle school makeover.
After a heated discussion, they voted 10-2 to ask for a formal response from the school board in regard to its willingness and ability to partner funds with the county for the capital project.
Several commissioners originally expressed opposition to the request, which was presented by Commissioner Charlotte Peak-Jones. The request’s wording, which asked for a “financial commitment” from the school board, caused concern until it was changed to ask for a formal response.