News Summary
Fayette County Commissioner Brian Miller has announced his recusal from voting on a proposed increase to the school occupational license tax due to his employment with Fayette County Public Schools. This tax increase, aimed at addressing a significant budget deficit, would raise the tax rate from 0.5% to 0.75% of wages and net profits, impacting the average worker’s monthly payment. Concerns about transparency in the decision-making process have emerged from the community, leading to discussions about a potential recall effort if the increase is approved.
Fayette County – Fayette County Commissioner Brian Miller has announced he will recuse himself from voting on a proposed increase to the school occupational license tax. Miller’s decision comes in light of his role as an employee of Fayette County Public Schools (FCPS), where he works as a law enforcement officer at Maxwell Spanish Immersion Elementary School. He assumed office in 2023 and represents the 1st District on the Fayette County fiscal court.
The fiscal court typically refrains from voting on school-related issues, but Miller’s recusal is particularly notable given the financial challenges facing the Fayette County school district. The tax resolution will be voted on by Commissioners Alayne White and David Lowe on Thursday at 1:30 p.m. Fayette County Attorney Angela Evans is currently researching guidance regarding the tax resolution, which the school board previously approved.
The Fayette County school board voted to seek an increase in the occupational license tax from 0.5% to 0.75% of wages and net profits. This change is aimed at addressing a substantial budget deficit of $16 million. The resolution regarding the tax was disclosed publicly for the first time during a Memorial Day weekend school board meeting where it was included in the agenda.
There are concerns regarding the transparency of the decision-making process, as no public hearing was held prior to the school board’s approval of the tax increase. The average Fayette County worker currently pays approximately $26 per month in occupational license tax, but with the proposed increase, this amount would rise to about $39 per month. The annual cost is projected to grow from $312 to $468 once the new rate is implemented.
If approved, the tax increase is expected to initially generate an additional $13 million to $16 million by January 2026 and could yield up to $27 million to $32 million annually once fully implemented. It is important to note that the tax increase would not affect retirees who are not working, and Social Security benefits are exempt from this tax.
Some community members have voiced dissatisfaction regarding the perceived lack of transparency and public input involved in the tax increase proposal. Parent Matthew Vied has indicated plans to lead a recall effort against the tax increase if it passes the fiscal court. Additionally, several school board members have expressed frustration over the expedited nature of the decision-making process behind the tax increase.
Last week, the Fayette County school board approved an over $848 million proposed budget that includes provisions for the anticipated tax increase. Parents and community members have also called for a forensic audit of school spending, citing concerns over budget management and financial decisions made by the school district.
Under Kentucky state law KRS 160.603, notification regarding tax levy proposals must typically be published, allowing for public comments and discussions. However, FCPS claimed this law did not apply since the tax was being considered at the county level rather than the school board. The situation continues to develop as community members, parents, and school officials work through the implications of the proposed tax increase in light of the district’s financial challenges.
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Additional Resources
- Fox 56 News
- Wikipedia: Fayette County, Kentucky
- Kentucky.com
- Google Search: Fayette County Public Schools tax hike
- LEX18
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Taxation
- WKYT
- Google News: Fayette County school budget
- Spectrum News 1
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