WESTWOOD —
Voters approved a utilities tax in the Fairview school district Tuesday in what Superintendent Bill Musick called “the biggest upset in political history since 1948, when Harry Truman beat Dewey.”
Unofficial totals show there were 549 votes in favor of keeping the tax, and 512 to repeal it; the result was unexpected in a community where two previous attempts to enact a utilities tax were defeated at the polls.
Musick was referring to the famous photograph of a jubilant Harry Truman holding the Chicago Tribune with the banner headline erroneously blaring “DEWEY DEFEATS TRUMAN” the day after winning the presidency.
Tax proponents in Westwood were just as jubilant after adding up the numbers. “I’m elated. This is the best thing that could ever happen to the school, the kids, this community and the members of this community,” board member Rick Tackett said.
“It’s a win for this whole community. We’re going to get us a school,” said board member Jeff Preston, charging into the high school gymnasium to slap Tackett and board president Scott McIntyre on the back.
The pro-tax campaign succeeded where others had failed because of the groundwork of volunteers, McIntyre said. “We had people in the community willing to go door to door. That’s all we wanted to do, get correct information out.”
Two open houses during which school officials pointed out building deficiencies also helped, Tackett said. “They decided they had to work for it.”
There is no firm plan yet, but the board has visions of a completely renovated high school and a new middle school to replace the current one in the 50-year-old Renfroe building.
“I’ve worked here six years with these children; I’ve seen them cross the street in cold and rain and sit with drips in the ceiling, and their test scores are still strong. We have a perfect graduation rate in spite of the defects,” said middle school teacher Alysa Miller, tears squeezing from her eyes. “I’m so thankful they are going to get what they deserve.”
Support for the tax initially was shaky. But momentum started to shift about two weeks ago when people started calling and asking pointed questions about the tax and how it would be collected, Musick said.
The 3 percent tax is to be levied on all utility bills, including electric, gas, water, sewer, telephone, cell phone and cable. Some voters initially thought the total collected would be higher.
The board enacted it in late December but opponents circulated petitions to put it on the ballot.
The final hour of voting was busy, and voters were vocal about their support or opposition, some of them willing to stand in ae cutting cold wind to discuss their opinions.
“With the property tax above the state average, I’m voting yes (to repeal),” said Brian Abernathy. If property taxes were lower he’d be more likely to support a utilities tax, he said.
Cathy Murphy and her daughter Andrea Murphy both said they were voting no, which meant voting against repeal. “I don’t care to spend a little more on my electric bill if it will help the school,” Cathy Murphy said.
“I graduated from this school and my kids go here. I love this community and I would hate for the school to leave,” Andrea Murphy said. She has a kindergartner and a third-grader at Fairview Elementary.
“I voted yes and I have the last two times before,” said Leeda Hudson, who has a daughter in kindergarten at Fairview. Hudson said funding should come from other sources.
MIKE JAMES can be reached at mjames@dailyindependent.com or (606) 326-2652.
Local News
Fairview utility tax passes on third try
- Local News
-
-
Water main break causes headaches
A water main break in the area of 29th Street and Greenup Avenue has caused headaches for public works employees and water customers in Ashland.
-
MLB exec speaking to Greenup graduates
Greenup County High School graduates are going to hear a little baseball tonight.
-
Span into Ky. likely out of commission through holiday
The Ben Williamson Bridge, closed Thursday morning because of a damaged I-beam, probably will remain closed at least through the Memorial Day holiday, and transportation officials don’t yet know how soon they will be able to reopen it.
-
Students celebrate grandparents
The fellowship hall at Unity Baptist Church was bursting with pride Thursday afternoon.
-
Olive Hill Council holds off on appointments
The Olive Hill Council met in regular session Tuesday night to accept the resignations of former Council members Tony Williams and Angie Johnson Fultz.
-
U.S. 23 Yard Sale under way
The annual yard sale which runs from Greenup County to Letcher County is under way, with Boyd County officials reporting strong early interest in the local portion of the U.S. 23 Highway Yard Sale.
-
Ashland to salute vets on Memorial Day
Ice cream always tastes better outdoors on Memorial Day in Central Park while saluting the nation’s veterans, according to Sue Dowdy of the Ashland Convention and Visitors Bureau.
-
Morgan man pleads guilty to assault
A Morgan County man entered a guilty plea in Morgan Circuit Court on Wednesday to second-degree assault charges in connection with the injuries he inflicted upon his wife in April 2011 at their home in Ezel, according to the office of Attorney General Jack Conway and his office of special prosecutions.
-
Tim Preston: Shoe signing; pastry cravings; Tina’s Tinting relocated: 5/26/13
I had a great time last week watching local musicians interact with guitar builder Paul Reed Smith and his buddy, Chicago Joe, during a visit to 4 O’Clock Rock Guitar Shop.
-
Local in brief: 5/24/13
Firefighters in a Kentucky town still rebuilding after being devastated by tornadoes last year are collecting goods to send to tornado victims in Oklahoma.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Water main break causes headaches
Sheriff: No Sign Killing of 2 Kids Was Planned
Obama Defends Drone Strikes, With Limits
Raw: Jurors Deadlock on Jodi Arias Penalty
Boy Scouts Decision "First Step" Say Activists
Raw: Utah Teen Arrested in Death of His Brothers
Closer Look at Okla. School Where Children Died
Two Suspects in Murder Known to London Police
Boy Scouts Mom Supports Gay Inclusiveness
"Be Ready": NOAA Warns of Busy Hurricane Season
SeaWorld: Penguins Are Coolest Thing in Florida
Obama Renews Call to Close Gitmo
Obama Offers Drone Strike Defense
Raw: Heckler Interrupts Obama on Guantanamo
A Slice of Apple History Up for Grabs
