Clarksville officials are preparing to vote Thursday on a proposal that would slowly eliminate the city’s additional payments to the Clarksville‑Montgomery County School System. The plan, introduced by Councilmember Brian Zacharias, would keep the mandatory state‑required funding but phase out the extra sales‑tax revenue the city has contributed for decades.
Proposed shift in funding
During an executive session on Oct. 28, Zacharias explained, “Bring the city’s local option sales tax revenue back into the city.” The proposal would spread the reduction over several years, allowing the school system and the city to adjust their budgets gradually.
Mayor backs the phased approach
Mayor Joe Pitts, who earlier this year suggested an immediate cut that was rejected after pushback from school and county leaders, now backs Zacharias’s slower plan. “I don’t really want to make a statement since it’s not my proposal, but I do plan to support the resolution,” Pitts said in a statement to NewsChannel 5.
Council opposition raises concerns
Not all council members share the mayor’s view. Councilmember Stacey Streetman voiced strong opposition, noting that even a phased reduction could trigger a lawsuit from Montgomery County. “Myself along with every other city resident would then be paying the legal fees no matter which way you look at it, because we’re residents of both,” Streetman said.
Streetman also warned that cutting the city’s contribution could shift the financial burden onto county residents, potentially leading to a tax increase on their side. “I can only assume that that means that instead, the county residents could be potentially looking at a tax increase on their side having to pay it,” she added.
While she opposes the current approach, Streetman emphasized a desire for collaboration rather than confrontation. “Let’s look at it and see if there’s a way to transition this, or other things that we can do in a partnership‑type atmosphere,” she said.
County response
Montgomery County Mayor Wes Golden did not respond to a request for comment.
What’s at stake
The debate centers on how best to balance the city’s fiscal responsibilities with the school system’s funding needs. Supporters argue that returning the extra sales‑tax revenue to the city will give local officials more flexibility to address other municipal priorities. Opponents fear that reduced contributions could strain school resources and force the county to raise taxes to fill the gap.
The council’s decision Thursday will determine whether Clarksville proceeds with a gradual drawdown or maintains the status quo. Residents are encouraged to follow council updates and consider how the outcome may affect both city services and local education funding.
Original reporting: NewsChannel 5 WTVF (Scripps) – local — read the source article.
