Brownsburg rejects school tax hike, 3 districts OK increases

Brownsburg residents voted down a $96 million tax increase, opting Tuesday to deny the construction of a new elementary school and an upgrade of the high school.

The proposed tax increase was offered in two referendums. Both failed, with more than 52 percent of voters opposing them.

"I'm certainly disappointed for our teachers and community members that worked so hard for this," Brownsburg Superintendent Jim Snapp said. "We will step back and take a look at the results and what those seem to indicate, and, over time, formulate a plan."

Snapp said the district is the second-fastest growing in the state and will have to address its population increase at some point. According to data on file at the Indiana Department of Education, the district grew more than 23 percent in the past decade.

"We have to work harder on getting our story out and letting people make their decisions on accurate information," he said. "Clearly, we didn't do that this time, and we have some work to do."

A message left with Brownsburg Residents for Fiscal Responsibility, a group that opposed the referendums, was not returned Tuesday night.

Property tax increases in three other Indianapolis-area school districts — Beech Grove and Perry and Wayne townships — were approved by voters.

Perry Township Schools

About 55 percent of voters endorsed a $50 million tax increase to construct 89 new classrooms for elementary students. The district is currently using 26 trailers for student instruction and anticipated that number increasing to 40 next year.

Also approved was an annual $3 million tax hike — a 42-cent increase for every $100 of property valuation for seven years — to offset transportation costs.

"Over the next two years, we'll develop four kindergarten centers where we'll truly be able to focus in on early childhood equation programs," Superintendent Tom Little said.

Beech Grove City Schools

Updates to school heating and cooling systems that are projected to cost $8.8 million were endorsed by about 76 percent of voters. The bond financing also would update band and choir facilities at the high school, and impose a tax increase of 15 cents per every $100 of assessed property value.

Voters also approved a property tax hike to help pay for transportation costs. It would raise taxes by 35 cents per every $100 of assessed property tax value, amounting to $1.4 million a year for seven years.

Metropolitan School District of Wayne Township

About 64 percent of voters favored a tax increase of 35 cents per $100 of property valuation to help fund the day-to-day operations of schools.

The referendum, lasting seven years, would help offset millions in losses the district faces annually because of property tax caps, school officials said.

The measure would generate $9.5 million a year, costing about $7.83 per month for the average homeowner.

"This allows us to continue the services we are providing," Superintendent Jeff Butts said.

Call Star reporter Kris Turner at (317) 444-6047. Follow him on Twitter: @krisnturner.