Petition may block tax increase for Muhlenberg schools

GREENEVILLE, Ky. (AP) — A group that opposes a new utility tax meant to help the cash-strapped Muhlenberg County school district has filed a petition to block the measure from going into place.

The Messenger-Inquirer (http://bit.ly/1D00Wdn) reports a petition with 3,200 signatures was turned in on Monday to the Muhlenberg County Clerk’s office. Clerk Gaylan Spurlin says if at least 1,394 signatures are certified as being registered voters, the issue will go on the ballot in November.

The county school board voted in January to add a 3 percent utility tax, hoping it would bring in $1.5 million annually.

The board faces a nearly $5.5 million deficit this fiscal year. In addition to approving the tax, the board also voted to cut teacher salaries by 8 percent and lay off 51 teachers.

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Information from: Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer, http://www.messenger-inquirer.com

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