CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – (CLARKSVILLENOW) Meeting Monday, Montgomery County Commissioners took up the issue of finding a way to pay for new schools which are needed in the Clarksville-Montgomery County School System due to growth and increased student enrollment.
One thing commissioners are considering is a proposed $50 increase in the Motor Vehicle Tax, commonly known as the “wheel tax” for Montgomery County. That would raise the tax from its current $30 to $80 which is paid when you apply or renew your vehicle tags/registration each year.
School system officials presented the commission with details and figures on what they predict will be needed over the next few years. Part of the proposal could add a new school complex on Arkadelphia Road which would be known as Kirkwood.
Montgomery County Mayor Jim Durrett said the school system was asked to present a growth plan that will require funding. He added the school system has presented a good case and they are going to need some additions and eventually some new schools.
“I think the need is there, our community is growing, and we’ve got two ways of paying for it. We can pay for it with property tax revenue or we can pay for it with a wheel tax increase and I think that’s the big issue before the commission,” Durrett said.
Durrett emphasized that 100 percent of the increase, if there is an increase, will all go to debt service for schools. It can’t be used for school operations and can only be used to pay debt for school construction whether it be an addition or a new building.
The mayor said it’s important for everyone to know that the Motor Vehicle Tax hasn’t been increased in 29 years and over that time more than $300 million has been spent on new school construction.
A vote on the Motor Vehicle Tax could come at the next meeting of the Montgomery County Commission which is set for Tuesday, March 14 at 6 p.m. on the 3rd floor of the Montgomery County Courthouse.