Vote YES for Millington Schools

CAN MILLINGTON AFFORD TO START ITS OWN PUBLIC SCHOOLS?

Yes. Tennessee laws require that taxes collected for schools must “follow the children.” In fact, the feasibility study projects that approximately 94% of the funding needed to operate a municipal school district comparable to our current system would come from county and state funds.  We are already paying these taxes to fund the current school system. The remainder of the budget would be met with the new Millington sales tax voted in during 2012.*

WHY DOES THE REFERENDUM QUESTION MENTION A 15-CENT PROPERTY TAX?

Tennessee law requires municipalities that operate school systems to invest in school operations an amount at least equal to 15 cents on the property tax rate each year. The law doesn’t require the revenue to actually come from property taxes. For Millington, that equates to approximately $240K annually. The recent half-cent sales tax increase is generating approximately $1.2M annually. Therefore, the sales tax currently meets this burden although the wording about property tax must remain on the ballot to satisfy state law requirements.

 

I don’t have kids in school, why should I vote YES?

The quality of local schools strongly affects property values.** All Millington residents have an investment in quality schools. “Of all the local neighborhood amenities that can influence a buyer's decision to purchase a home, proximity to good quality schools is one of the most influential.” –National Association of Realtors

Where and When Can I Vote?

Tuesday, July 16, 2013 Millington Municipal Schools Referendum – Special Election

Early Voting –Saturday, June 29, 2013 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM Saturday

Baker Community Center – 7942 Church Street

Voter Registration Deadline – Monday, June 17, 2013

*Southern Educational Strategies Feasibility Study for Millington, TN
** Do Schools Really Affect Property Values? by Ken Corsini on April 6, 2011  http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2011/04/06/school-districts-real-estate-prices/
Research Schools Before Buying a Home http://activerain.com/blogsview/1940744/research-schools-before-buying-a-home