According to an announcement made by the district on Monday, the Ayette County Schools have abstained from taking “any immediate action” regarding modifications to the county’s occupational license tax (OLT).
According to a press release, Chair Tyler Murphy suggested that the pause be implemented until a committee consisting of “diverse and representative stakeholders” could meet, communicate the process that the district uses to create the budget, and provide “additional avenues for the community to weigh in and dive into what it takes to operate a district of this size and deliver results with lasting impact.”
Superintendent Demetrus Liggins stated that it is feasible for a working group to be established during the summertime and to solicit the input of the general public in order to formulate short-term and long-term recommendations with the purpose of providing clarity and recommendations.
The process of developing the budget would be expanded upon by the group, which would examine expenditures, revenues, and other aspects. In addition to that, it would offer feedback and conduct an analysis of the plans and financial outlook of the district.
According to the release, the decision was one that was supported by every member of the board, and the committee is scheduled to return its findings before the budget for the following year is scheduled to be finalized and submitted in September.
“FCPS takes pride in the progress we have made,” Murphy stated. “We welcome every opportunity to engage with our community and expand awareness of how our investments are driving historic gains for students, staff, and families. It is important that as many voices as possible are part of these conversations, and we look forward to using additional avenues to highlight our progress and deepen public understanding of the work behind it. This pause allows those avenues for engagement and public education to expand, ensuring that more stakeholders are informed, included, and heard.”
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The announcement follows a formal statement from Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman declaring the increase illegal.
Residents would pay an additional $13 per month on average if the increase is approved.
The district “respectfully but strongly disagree with the conclusions drawn, particularly because the opinion does not reference the relevant statute that governs this matter,” Liggins said in response to the statement.
Attendees of the May 27 meeting, where the motion to raise the tax was discussed, expressed frustration that the public was not informed about the district’s budget deficit and that their opinions were not taken into consideration during the process.
