Hamilton County Schools may see a $100 million windfall for building and major maintenance needs if the county commission approves Mayor Jim Coppinger's property tax plan.
Coppinger announced today he seeks to keep the county's $2.76545 tax millage rate in place, which will generate an extra $25.5 million for the county to use on capital debt in light of property value increases resulting from the county's recent reappraisal.
"I think that what he presented today is an opportunity for us to continue to support education, which is critical for this community," Hamilton County School Superintendent Bryan Johnson said.
Johnson said no decisions have been made regarding how best to spend the money, deferring to future discussions with the Hamilton County Board of Education.
Coppinger cited a long-standing list of capital school challenges, which include over $200 million backlog in repairs and maintenance.
"A significant amount of the additional revenues will be used toward building one or two new schools, expanding capacity at schools in high-growth areas and addressing some of the most pressing capital needs at several schools with new roofs or major roofing repairs, energy efficient windows and renovation of athletic tracks and athletic facilities," Coppinger said.