GALLATIN, TN (WSMV) -
The battle for money in Sumner County schools will now head to voters after the county commission voted Monday night to place a wheel tax referendum on the November ballot.
Commissioners did not consider the school district's budget at Monday's meeting, but Sumner County voters will now decide if they want to tax themselves more money for education. The wheel tax would raise rates by $25 per vehicle effective Dec. 1, and the funds would benefit education in the county.
The latest budget stalemate kept the county's students out of class for nearly two weeks to start the school year.
Commissioners already agreed to move $3 million before school started, but school leaders said jobs will have to be cut if they don't get another $2 million.
The idea of increasing property taxes for education appears it is not going to fly with the commission, even after another night of passionate pleas.
"I do not doubt each and every one of you wants the best for education. I know in your hearts you want the very best," said Sumner County teacher Lois Finney.
The wheel tax increase is estimated to raise about $3 million a year for education.
The school board will meet Tuesday night to begin discussing possible staff cuts.
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