Chamber backs referendum
Published 12:00 am Thursday, October 21, 1999
The Austin Public Schools has received a boost from the Austin Area Chamber of Commerce.
Thursday, October 21, 1999
The Austin Public Schools has received a boost from the Austin Area Chamber of Commerce.
The Chamber’s board of directors approved support of the Nov. 2 school referendum at a regular meeting.
However, the Chamber’s executive director admitted, some members still have questions about how the funds raised through a levy override would be used. An upcoming Friday Forum session will seek to examine that issue.
The referendum was endorsed for several reasons, according to an announcement from the Chamber.
First, the Chamber’s directors consider the referendum is necessary to maintain small class sizes and retain quality programs, according to the statement.
"Leveraging local funds with a two-to-one match of state dollars was a consideration," the announcement noted. "As representatives of the business community, the board was satisfied with the minimal increase in business property taxes."
The announcement quoted an unidentified board member as saying, "This is a vote on behalf of the students, the future of our community."
The vote was taken Wednesday at a regular meeting of the Chamber directors.