We Support Education in Our Community

The future of our community depends on the decisions we make today. On November 5, 2024, you have the power to shape the future of Autauga County by voting YES on Constitutional Amendment ACT 2024-257. This critical referendum will provide the necessary funding for our schools to continue delivering the quality education our children deserve. Without this support, our schools face an uncertain future—one that could jeopardize the success of our students, our workforce, and our local economy. A YES vote is more than just an investment in education; it’s an investment in the future of our businesses, our families, and our entire community. Together, we can ensure Autauga County remains a place where businesses thrive, families grow, and our children succeed. Vote YES and help us build a stronger, more prosperous future for all!

128th Isn't Good Enough

Autauga County Schools is currently ranked 128th out of 138 school systems in the state when totaling all funding: federal, state, and local monies. A comparison of various school districts across the state is available here. Our children deserve better. Our community deserves better.


Even if you don’t have children in the school system, voting YES is an investment in the future of our entire community. Strong schools lead to a more educated workforce, which attracts businesses, drives local economic growth, and increases property values for everyone. Well-funded schools help ensure a safer, more prosperous community that benefits every resident. By voting YES, you’re helping to create a thriving local economy and a brighter future for Autauga County as a whole.

How much will it cost?

The Autauga County School System currently receives 10 mills of the average 30.5 mills collected across Autauga County. They are requesting an additional 7 mills. A home assessed at $100,000 would see an increase of $70 per year or $5.83 per month.


According to Realtor.com, the median home sold price in Autauga County is $258,000. If that homeowner claims homestead exemption, that home would be assessed at 10% - meaning the home's assessed value would be $25,800. A home of this assessed value would see an increase of just $15.10 per month or $180.60 per year.


For the monthly cost of your average TV streaming service, you could be supporting our kids and supporting our community.


Appraised vs. Assessed Value


The appraised value of a property is determined by a professional appraiser who considers factors like the property’s location, condition, and recent sales of similar properties in the area.


The assessed value, on the other hand, is the value the local government uses to calculate property taxes. It's usually a percentage of the appraised value, depending on local laws. For example, if a property’s appraised value is $200,000 and the assessment ratio is 10%, the assessed value for tax purposes would be $20,000. Property taxes are then calculated based on this assessed value, not the full appraised value.

Find Your Assessed Value

What will 7 mills cost you?

Property Tax Increase Calculator

Enter your TAX-ASSESSED property value, not appraised value. Do not enter a dollar sign ($) or comma (,).

Use this calculator to estimate your additional property tax investment. Simply enter your property's tax-assessed value without using a dollar sign ($) or commas (,). For example, if your property is assessed at $47,920.00, you would input 47920.00. Find your property's tax-assessed value here.

Please note: The calculator is designed to provide accurate estimates only for single-family, owner-occupied homes. It does not account for multi-family, commercial, or other types of properties.

This tool is for illustrative purposes only and applies specifically to 'Class III Property' under Alabama law. The estimates provided are not official tax figures. For the exact amount of any additional ad valorem taxes, please contact the Autauga County Revenue Commissioner’s Office. Actual tax amounts will depend on assessed values and applicable exemptions, which may change.

Find more info here: https://autauga.capturecama.com/about

Voting YES means...

  • Hiring 10-20 local teaching units & additional support staff
  • Purchasing security enhancements
  • Creating a performance-based employee incentive program directly tied to schools’ state report card data
  • Renovating aging and outdated facilities
  • Reducing debt


Voting NO means...

  • Closing of multiple county and city schools
  • Reduction of the already limited support of school athletics, fine arts, and extracurricular options
  • Closing of the district’s Second Chance Alternative Program using the base schools’ current disciplinary model to create behavior change
  • Indefinite suspension of the district’s free breakfast and lunch program for students
  • Major decrease in funding for the system’s career tech education program
  • Major decrease in funding for the system’s pre-K program, and possible employee layoffs


FAQs

  • Why should I support this when I don't have children in the school system?

    Supporting the school system benefits everyone, not just families with children in school. When schools thrive, communities thrive. Here’s why:


    • Increased property values: A strong school system boosts property values. Even if you don’t have children, better schools make the entire area more desirable, which raises the value of your home.
    • Attracting new businesses: Good schools are a major factor for businesses when they decide where to set up shop. When businesses move in, they bring jobs, which boosts the local economy.
    • A better-educated workforce: Today’s students are tomorrow’s workforce. Whether we have kids in the system or not, these young people will become the future employees, healthcare workers, and community leaders that keep our town running smoothly.

    By supporting the schools, you’re investing in a stronger, more vibrant community that benefits everyone, including those of us without children in the system. It's about making sure our town continues to grow and prosper for years to come.

  • My property taxes have increased. Why isn't that enough?

    Currently, the district collects the state-mandated minimum of 10 mills. Regardless of rising property values or new construction in the county, the ad valorem tax revenue must be allocated to specific areas as required by the Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE) match program. Under this program, ALSDE provides matching funds to school districts based on the assumption that 10 mills are already dedicated to certain uses at the local level. In short, Autauga County Schools are required to set aside all 10 mills for state-designated purposes, no matter how much revenue is generated from property value increases or new development.

  • Which communities will benefit from this additional funding?

    The communities of Autaugaville, Billingsley, Marbury, Pine Level, and Prattville will all benefit from a positive vote. The funds will support local teaching positions, improve security across all campuses, and enhance the employee incentive program. Additionally, reducing the district’s debt will free up cash flow, creating more opportunities for future improvements. 

  • Is this really a 70% increase in property taxes?

    While the exact millage varies throughout the county between 27 adn 32 mills, homeowners in the city of Prattville,  currently pay 31 mills. The Board of Education is requesting a 7-mill increase. Moving from 31 to 38 mills represents a 20.3% increase, not 70%. 

Vote Yes on Tuesday, November 5th!


Why the Chamber Cares:

The future of Autauga County's economy is deeply connected to the quality of education in our schools. As businesses and industries grow, they rely on a well-educated workforce, and that starts with strong local schools. Unfortunately, Autauga County Schools are one of the lowest-funded systems in Alabama, despite community expectations for continued excellence. The Chamber of Commerce supports the proposed tax increase because it will provide the resources necessary to ensure that our schools can keep producing talented, well-prepared graduates who will drive economic growth, attract new businesses, and ensure long-term prosperity for our entire region. Supporting this initiative is an investment in both our children's future and the economic success of our community.


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