Town hall scheduled as Sellersburg residents continue to fight against proposed 44% tax hike

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — A major funding decision that could reshape Silver Creek schools is in the hands of voters, and it’s drawing sharp pushback from homeowners and business owners across Sellersburg.

The Silver Creek School Corporation is proposing a 44% property tax increase to fund a series of facility upgrades, including constructing a new school and expanding existing classrooms. The district plans to hold a town hall meeting Thursday at 7 p.m. in the Silver Creek High School auditorium to explain the proposal and answer questions from the community.

But many residents said the price tag is just too high.

“No. We do not want the increase,” said Pam Cole, a longtime Sellersburg resident, sitting on her porch swing. She asked not to be shown on camera, but shared how a tax hike would deeply impact her and her neighbors—many of whom are retired and living on fixed incomes.

“My taxes just doubled since last year,” Cole said. “There's a lot of people in this area where I'm living right now that are retired, on Social Security, fixed income, and they just can't afford that type of a tax increase.”

If the referendum passes, a homeowner with a $300,000 property would pay more than $1,100 more per year in property taxes. Because of deductions, district leaders say homeowners would actually pay about half of that, $629 a year.

That increase could force some—like Cole—to leave the community they've called home for years.

"It's upsetting," she said through tears. "I bought this home in 2010 expecting it to be my permanent home. I love this neighborhood. I love this town, but if you can't afford to pay for your home, you have no choice."

The proposed tax increase also extends to local businesses, which would see a 32% hike. Some business owners fear it could drive customers away.

“We would price ourselves out of business,” said Jordan Dattilo, a Sellersburg business owner. “They could go over to New Albany or Jeffersonville and get the same products for less because they can swing a cheaper price.”

Signs reading “Vote No” have popped up in yards across the town as the May 6 referendum vote approaches.

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