By Associated Press
Huntsville, AL – Supporters of a proposed one-half cent sales tax gathered Thursday at the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce. They said Madison County public schools desperately need extra funding and that the tax would generate an estimated 20 (m) million dollars. Madison County Commissioner Mo Brooks disputed their claim. He said the problem is a lack of sound management, not a lack of funds. Brooks said he opposes the sales tax increase because he thinks the money will go to raises for teachers, not to the public schools. Marc Jacobson, president of the Madison County Schools Foundation, said the schools need more money because more students are expected in coming years. The Madison County Commission will meet at today. Brooks says there will be a motion and second for a binding referendum. He says then the public could decide whether to pass the half-cent sales tax.