Beech Tree News Network

A special election may be around the corner for local voters if a petition drive to put the proposed property tax increase on the ballot proves successful. 

The Butler County Board of Education recently adopted to increase its property tax rate from 41.6 cents to 48.4 cents per $100 of assessed value.  The proposed increase would apply to both real and personal property. It would not go into effect until the 2026 tax bills however a group of county residents are asking that the tax be placed on the ballot for a vote countywide.

Funds generated from the nickel tax can only be used for major renovations of existing school facilities, new construction, or debt service. These funds cannot be used for other purposes, such as salaries. The school district has also created an information page on its website (www.butlerschools.net) explaining the various financial needs of the district, which includes HVAC upgrades and basic building maintenance, among other things.  The page is located under "Funding Initiatives."   

According to County Clerk Sherry Johnson her office recieved an affidavit to circulate a petition by three county residents comprised of Joseph Henderson, Travis McIntosh, and Tyler Overstreet.

The petition is due back to her office by November 15 or sooner and that it must contain at least 10% of the last presidential election's general voters 5,999 or 600 signatures. All signatures must be from registered voters within the county school district.

Once Johnson receives the signed petition, she has 30 days to determine if the petition is sufficient. If she determines it is sufficient, the Circuit Clerk has 10 days to certify the petition.

From there, the school board has three options:

(1.)Hold a special election within 30 to 45 days at their own expense.

(2.) Wait until the next general election, which is November 2026.

(3.) Cancel the election by reconsidering or amending their original motion within 15 days of receiving notice the clerk finds the petition to be sufficient, according to KRS 132.017.

A Facebook page has been set up to direct those who want to know more about the ballot process or where to sign the petition at Put the Nickel Tax on the Ballot-Butler County.