May 26, 2004
By Tory Newmyer Staff Writer
Chattanooga Times Free Press

A countywide poll released Tuesday showed most Hamilton County residents support a tax increase to improve education, but county commissioners questioned the validity of the survey by the Public Education Foundation.

'You can do anything you want with a survey, but when you’re out talking to people, you get a different story,' Commissioner Lou Miller said.

The poll showed 71 percent of county residents support raising taxes 'to fund improving the schools in Hamilton County.' Pollsters with Wilkins Research Services conducted the survey for the PEF last month, questioning 917 respondents, or about 100 from each commission district. The survey had a 3 percent margin of error.

Dan Challener, executive director of the PEF, said the survey results show 'the public is saying we’re ready to invest in our schools.'

He said there is clear evidence of the need for a tax increase, and with a 'clear plan' for how the new revenue would be spent, he would support the raise himself.

Commissioner William Cotton’s District 4 showed the strongest support for a tax increase in the poll, with 80 percent backing it. Mr. Cotton said that result does not represent the will of his constituents.

'I have very high unemployment in my district and many people on fixed income,' he said. 'So most people don’t support a tax increase.'

Commissioners Larry Henry, Curtis Adams, and Fred Skillern also said their constituents oppose a property tax increase.

'When I go to the grocery store, or church, it’s 70 percent or better against higher taxes,' said Mr. Skillern, whose District 1 polled 72 percent in favor of a hike.

But Debbie Colburn, a member of the Hamilton County Board of Education, said the survey results match the community sentiment she has encountered.

'From years of traveling out in the community, I see a huge support for public education, as long as there is a plan in place,' she said.

School board member Charles Love said commissioners are deaf to residents expressing views they don’t share.

'I think it’s time for the county commission to really get the message,' he said. 'Any commissioner who can stand up and say schools don’t need additional funding does not need to be re-elected .'

Schools officials on May 5 made their funding request to county commissioners, asking for between $13.3 million and $29.9 million in additional revenue. The lower number, they said, would cover the cost of continuing operations at their current level. The higher number would restore cuts from the previous two years and add instructional positions and materials.

County Mayor Claude Ramsey added his own requests, most without price tags, when he presented eight initiatives last week to become the focus of his education summit. He will present his budget to commissioners June 10, and they vote on it June 24. Commissioners interviewed Tuesday said they have not made up their minds about a potential tax increase.

Staff writer Beverly A. Carroll contributed to this story.

E-mail Tory Newmyer at tnewmyer@timesfreepress.com