What Seperate School Districts Will Cost You

Memphis, Tn - In early May, people in the suburbs can expect to head to the polls to vote on a tax hike to support new municipal school districts.

So far, we know what Bartlett, Germantown, Collierville, and Arlington can expect.

Bartlett, Germantown, and Collierville can expect either a half cent increase in local sales tax or a 15 cent increase in property taxes.

Arlington can expect a half cent sales tax increase coupled with a four cent property tax increase or a 15 cent property tax increase.

So, what does a half a cent sales tax increase mean? Right now, buying a $1,000 computer in the suburbs costs $1,092.50 with tax. After the increase it will cost $1,097.50. That's a five dollar increase.

Let's say your family spends $10,000 a year on school supplies, clothes, toys, and going out to eat. Right now, it costs you $10,925 a year, including tax. After the increase, it will cost you $10,975 a year. That's 50 dollars more a year.

The other option is to raise property taxes.

People in Arlington will see a property tax increase either way.

Raising the sales tax would be combined with a four cent property tax increase. On a $200,000 dollar home, you now pay $2530 a year. That will increase to $2550 a year. This means an increase on your tax bill of twenty dollars.

If Arlington decides to skip the sales tax increase, a 15 cent property tax increase will be put in place. That would increase taxes to $2605, for an increase of 75 dollars a year.

Bartlett can opt to do just a 15 cent property tax increase. Right now, taxes on a $200,000 home in Bartlett are $2775 a year. A 15 cent increase will raise that to $2855. That's 80 dollars more a year.

Collierville can also choose to just raise property taxes. A $200,000 home in Collierville equals a tax bill of $2745 right now. The tax hike will increase that to $2820. That's an extra 75 dollars a year.

Germantown can opt for a property tax increase only also. In Germantown a $200,000 home is $2772.50 in taxes a year. A 15 cent increase equals $2847.50. That's 75 dollars more a year.

We are still waiting to hear the consultant's reports on Millington and Lakeland. They will likely be similar to the recommendations of the other suburbs.