HANNIBAL (WGEM) — Hannibal Public Schools has already cut $2.4 million from its 2023-24 budget, and there was a public hearing Tuesday night to discuss a proposed tax increase.

The meeting brought up the question of whether the district is in debt or facing a $3.3 million budget deficit. The property tax increase polarized the room, which included both board members and residents who were either strongly for or against the proposal, which was aimed at supporting the upcoming school year.

Both sides commented on the meeting during the public hearing.

Supporters say the property tax proposal is necessary because the district has already made millions of dollars in budget cuts and the tax is necessary to maintain the quality of education.

“The previous school board, two or three previous school boards, thank God, reduced taxes and gave relief to the students,” said one resident. “And that’s wonderful! But the economic situation we are in today does not allow us to continue to provide a quality education to the children of Hannibal!”

Opponents of the proposal said the board would be breaking a supposed promise not to raise taxes. They said it could hurt people financially in this unstable economy. They called on the district to reevaluate where the money it raises goes.

“I voted for tax increases,” said another resident. “But now is not the time. It seems underhanded and underhanded. And not very palatable. Listen to your constituents who brought you here. The community is not happy about it.”

Meanwhile, school board members argued over the tax increase, with member Scott Hawes taking Superintendent Susan Johnson to task over the district’s past spending and how it got them into this situation.

“We as a board have to take responsibility,” Hawes said. “We said we wouldn’t raise taxes. And then we turn around and say we’re going to raise taxes.”

Johnson said they relied on the word of financial advisers about what was best for the school and the students.

“Susan Johnson has already made huge cuts to our teachers and our programs in our district,” said board vice president J’Nelle Lee. “We cannot make any more cuts. There are already teachers who have to teach at multiple schools.”

A majority of the board voted to abolish the existing operating tax.

Here is a chart illustrating the tax increase.

All rights reserved.