As a resident of Signal Mountain- I stand in opposition to Senate Bill 1755, the "Schoolhouse Heist" Bill.
This bill would be unfair to all the county taxpayers that have contributed their taxes to build the schools. Remember, those schools were built to service Signal students as well as Walden and unincorporated Hamilton County students. The buildings were not built exclusively for Signal Mountain students.
Also, there is still debt on those buildings. If the county loses millions of dollars worth of assets but has millions of dollars in liabilities, what will that do to our AAA bond rating? This bill will hurt our ability to borrow at a low rate moving forward.
In addition, this bill will encourage the school board, county commission, and residents of Hamilton County to think twice about building any new building in any municipality. Is this how we tackle $320,000,000 in unfunded maintenance moving forward?
My final issue with this bill is close to my heart as a resident of Signal Mountain. This bill seeks to divide us on education. This county is just beginning to work together toward a greater education system for all students. When we all work together, we all benefit. Let's work together for solutions to our many pressing concerns. This bill doesn't accomplish anything.
Dick Graham