Vote yes in the referendum

Tuesday Jasper voters will go to the polls...well, at least a small number of them. There is not expected to be a large turnout for the Jasper City Schools tax referendum.

It was be easy to roll over and do other things, but Jasper residents have to realize that the schools have a tough enough situation as it is, with proration and budget cuts. As things stand, Gov. Bob Riley may empty out the rainy day fund and take some from a stimulus package to make do this year, but if the economy worsens, it could be a disaster in the coming school year. School administrators across the state are counting every penny they can.

As it would turn out, the 2.5-mill tax which was put on years ago is coming up for renewal to keep for the next three decades. It raises $338,000 a year for the purpose of maintenance and construction. Already, the school system is shelving plans for now to build a new Walker High until the economy improves. The only reason voters are now seeing improvements at local elementary schools is because of a state bond issue that was approved a couple of years ago that did not require any payback by the local authorities.

In other words, under tight times, the tax will likely be used more for maintenance (painting, etc.), small construction projects and emergencies which could occur. Don't wish for them not to occur, because we've seen fires, tornadoes and other problems. If something happens in the current economic mess, we would be in a real pickle.

No taxes would be increased under this proposal and the millage is needed anyway to keep the minimum required in each county under state law. Turning down this millage would be a disaster on top of a disaster.

Please, if you live in the city of Jasper and are a registered voter, go to your normal voting place for about five minutes and vote yes for the continuation of the 2.5-mill tax.