LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Voters in the Silver Creek Schools district denied a nearly $63 million referendum in a special election Tuesday that would have raised property taxes to address capacity issues.
Had it passed, the referendum would fund new construction and upgrades across the district by raising taxes for property owners by as much as 44%.
According to Angela Cornett, Clark County election administrator, the results were: 3,759 no votes, and 238 yes votes with a voter turnout of 32.36%.
The special election sparked strong reactions in Sellersburg, where signs urging residents to "vote no" are posted throughout neighborhoods. But while opposition was visible, many residents were hesitant to speak out publicly.
Some community members told WDRB off-camera and via text messages that they feared retaliation for opposing the referendum. One woman even said she was worried she’d have to sell her home if the tax hike goes through.
The referendum would raise about $63 million over the next 25 years if passed. The district said the money would be used to build a new school, add classrooms, and renovate existing facilities.
For a home valued at $250,000, the increase would amount to roughly $520 more per year in property taxes.
Of the nearly 13,000 registered voters in the district, more than 700 had already cast early ballots as of Monday afternoon.
This is not the district's first major investment. A $100 million project already underway has included updates to athletic fields and significant renovations at the high school.
Previous Coverage:Â
Silver Creek Schools face capacity crunch—and a potential 44% tax hike is on the ballot
Town hall scheduled as Sellersburg residents continue to fight against proposed 44% tax hike
Silver Creek schools proposes raising property taxes to help pay for school upgrades
Southern Indiana residents voice opposition over Silver Creek School district tax hike
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