LEBANON, Tenn. -- Voters in Wilson County said no to doubling the wheel tax to build a new high school in Lebanon. But now, the mayor is worried that decision will mean terrible things for the city down the line.

What Does Wheel Tax Vote Mean For Lebanon HS?

It seems everyone agrees that Lebanon High School is in pretty bad shape. It's roughly 50 years old, with mold, roaches, out-of-date technology and an overcrowding problem. But not everyone was willing to pay more in taxes to build a new school.

"I don't think the individuals of Wilson County should be burdened down, especially people like me who have no kids in school," said Lebanon resident Sammy Roller.

The final numbers are in, and Wilson County residents won't have to pay an extra $25 for their wheel tax. By about 700 votes, those against the proposal shot it down.

"I really thought it was going to pass. Everybody I talked to, it seemed like they were for it," said Lebanon Mayor Philip Craighead.

Craighead said he feels the decision puts the city that's already struggling economically in a critical place. As a home builder, the mayor said he's seen how the poor condition of the school caused families to move to other parts of the county.

"We lost three home sales just because of the high school, because of its condition," said Craighead. "The people looked at it, asked where their kids were going to school."

And now, with no way to pay for a new high school, some are afraid more businesses will leave Lebanon, too.

"They are kind of moving more to Mount Juliet and more to the west," said Craighead. "It's a drag."

Roller said he hopes Lebanon students get a new school, but until they do, he thinks the current one will do.

"It would be much cheaper to renovate it a little bit and change," Roller said. "Your teachers and your students are what make a school."

It's unclear what other steps may be taken to raise money for Lebanon High School, but some county commissioners said they plan to discuss some options at their next meeting.