Proposed Odenville Tax

In 2025, St. Clair County ranked 131 out of 139 school systems for per pupil funding in Alabama. The funding the school system currently receives that is eligible for capital projects is limited. A new middle school is expected to cost $35-40 million. Just like most families don’t have cash to pay for a house in full, the school system does not have $35-40 million in reserves to pay for a new school. Construction would be financed through a bond (loan), and additional revenue would be required to secure and repay that bond.

Estimated annual revenue is approximately $2,900,000, though actual collections will vary based on assessed property values. The proposed tax would be for 30 years.

Under Alabama law, 100% of the funds generated by the proposed tax must be spent in Odenville/Margaret Schools. If approved, the tax revenue would be used to secure a bond (debt). The proceeds from the bond could only be used on capital projects in the Odenville/Margaret attendance zone. The primary purpose of the bond proceeds would be to fund a new Odenville Middle School on the campus of St. Clair County High School.