Hamilton County School Board passes 2017-2018 school year budget

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – After tabling the school budget vote last week, tonight Hamilton County School Board members passed a balanced budget for the 2017 to 2018 school year.

Board members voted in favor of it 8 to 1. The budget asks for a $24.5 million increase.

Steve Highlander, the Hamilton School Board chairman, says some people who vote for it, were reluctant and on the fence about it. He says community members in his district have told him they also have mixed feelings about it.

“They want better schools, but they don’t want a tax raise. So it is really hard to look at both. I think the board is hoping, and a lot of people in my district are hoping the county commission can find funds from other means other than a tax raise,” Highlander said.

The next step is for the interim superintendent and the financial director to go in front of the Hamilton County Commission and present the budget.