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Voters approve renewal of school tax Despite a low turnout, voters in Washington County approved the renewal of school millage taxes in Tuesday's election, paving the way for a vote to renew the district millage tax. Earlier this year, Washington County Board of Education Attorney Michael Onderdonk addressed the seriousness of the possible expiration of the 12 mills ad valorem taxes. Onderdonk said the taxes fall into three categories: a 1 mill tax going back to 1875 which must be approved by 3/5 of the electorate; a 3 mills tax that requires a simple majority approval and a 3 mills district tax that also requires a simple majority approval; but the district tax cannot be voted on until the results of the previous 3 mills election is known. All these taxes, last passed in 1976, would have expired this year unless reinstated. The county has an additional 5 mills ad valorem tax which has no expiration date. In Tuesday's election, unoffical results showed 2,273 voting in favor of the 1 mill tax, with 483 voting against its renewal. Voters approved the 3 mills tax by a margin of 2,234 to 515. The county will more than likely hold a special election to hopefully renew the remaining 3 mills district tax. Washington County Probate Judge Charles Singleton said he was very pleased at the outcome of Tuesday's vote. "I would like to see the special election for the renewal of the district tax held as soon as possible," he said Wednesday morning. "Of course we will have to talk with the board of education to coordinate a time to hold the election." In a statement Tuesday evening, Washington County Superintendent of EducationTim Savage said his faith in the county's citizens' support of education was reaffirmed.
Also, Tuesday, voters overwhelmingly approved state amendment one. The amendment frees up $400 million in bond money to lure employers to the state, including $195 million for the ThyssenKrupp steel mill to be built near the Mobile-Washington counties line. Statewide the measure was approved by a 188,929 to 48,395 margin. InWashington County voters approved it 2,357 to 393.
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