Correspondent

The finalized budget for the Claiborne County School System is in, and the numbers show a proposed three cent tax increase to cover expenses for the next fiscal year.

Don Dobbs, director of schools, presented the budget proposal to the Claiborne County Board of Education during its regular monthly meeting on Thursday, Aug. 10.

The budget workshop members based the need for the rate hike on a 3.5 percent debt service, Dobbs said. Of course, that number could change, depending on the interest rates, he added.

The board took some time mulling over whether the school system might need additional funds as a "cushion" of sorts, in the likelihood that the debt service interest rates could jump to four percent or more. Some on the board discussed the possibility that the tax rate might need to be raised an additional three to six cents, making the request for a total tax increase of from six to nine cents per hundred.

"Say, if you wanted to budget four percent, that would be another half percent [tacked onto the original 3.5 percent already worked into the school budget]. That would be roughly $180,000," explained Dobbs.

Board member Sam Owens reminded those present that the request for a tax increase to cover the school system budget is just that - a request.

"It's a rhetorical question, anyway - you aren't going to get anything," he said.

After a bit more discussion, the board decided to submit the budget to the county commission without changes.

The Claiborne County Commission is expected to review and vote on the matter during the regular monthly meeting in September.

It appears an idea to create a foundation that would benefit the school system is now in its final stages of completion. Dobbs informed the board that county attorney James Estep III is moving ahead with the process. When completed, county residents and other interested parties will be able to donate funds to individual Claiborne County schools of their choice.

The idea, first presented a couple of months ago by board member Eddie Shoffner, was patterned after a similar foundation already in operation within the Oneida school system.

The school board has been given the thumbs up to sell all future surplus computers, monitors and other equipment, rather than attempt to dispose of the items in another way.

The board will be responsible for documenting the process, from declaring the surplus items to authorizing the advertising of the sales and placing the prices on the items, Dobbs said.

At the conclusion of the meeting, outgoing board chairman Bobby Williams and outgoing board member Eddie Shoffner were presented plaques in appreciation of their years of service on the school board.

Williams lost his bid for reelection, while Shoffner chose not to run for his board seat.

Vice-chair Michelle Huddleston presented Shoffner his plaque and complimented him for his two years of service.

"With all the years you have helped the board and the school system in other capacities, it doesn't seem right to say you've served just two years. I had to double-check it to make sure this was right," Huddleston said.

To Williams, Huddleston commented on his 24 year stint on the board, 16 of those years spent as board chairman.

Both men thanked the members of the board for allowing them the privilege to serve alongside them.

Both were given a standing ovation.

Cindy DeBusk and Dorothy "Dot" Patterson will take over their individual seats during the September meeting of the school board.