Franklin Agrees To School Debt Sales Tax Plan

FRANKLIN, TN — Franklin agreed to Williamson County Mayor Rogers Anderson's plan to devote a portion of sales taxes to the the school's debt service fund if the city's voters approve a sales tax increase in a referendum.

With Nolensville also approving the plan, the county still awaits the OK from Brentwood, Thompson's Station and Spring Hill; Fairview is exempt because it already levies the state maximum sales tax. Under the plan, the county's cities will raise the local-option sales tax from 2.25 to 2.75 cents with half the increase going to school debt service and the other half retained by the cities. The plan could raise $70 million over three years. (For more updates on this story and free news alerts for your neighborhood, sign up for your local Middle Tennessee Patch morning newsletter.)

An increase in property taxes has been rejected repeatedly, but the school system says it needs $421.45 million through 2022 to pay for new construction and renovations.

"Let's face it, our schools are the reason why people are moving here," Anderson told The Tennessean. "We need the cities to step up and help us. The vast majority of our growth is coming within those six city limits."

Image via Williamson County Schools