Woodford County will vote on tax increase to build new high school

VERSAILLES, Ky. (WTVQ) – Woodford County has a big decision to make in June. The school district is trying to fund building a new high school with a facilities tax that some are saying comes at too high a cost.

“I don’t think we should be paying anymore taxes right now. We just had a fairly significant increase from the government,” says Paul Stahler, who lives in Woodford County and is actively campaigning against the tax hike.

Woodford County School’s Superintendent Scott Hawkins says money for a new high school is needed.

“The current high school is 54 years old. It doesn’t allow us to do some of the things and offer some of the opportunities for our kids to experience,” says Hawkins.

The new high school would have an auditorium. Right now, students at the high school have to use the cafeteria as a place for eating and as an auditorium.

“The way that we view this, it’s an investment in our community, it’s an investment in our kids and it’s for the greater good,” said Hawkins.

According to Woodford County Schools, under the new five and a half cents facilities tax, a property owner with a home valued at $150,000 would see an increase of about $82 a year. A home valued at $200,000 would see an increase of $110 a year for the owner.

Paul Stahler believes the price is too steep.

“You’re property is going to always hopefully go up in value. So that means if you’re assessment goes up, so do your taxes,” says Stahler.

The special election is scheduled for June 26.