Voters in Athens rejected a property tax increase in a special election

ATHENS, AL (WAFF) - Residents in Athens have spoken and voted down a proposed increase in property tax.

School leaders pushed for the tax increase, so they could build new schools and improve existing ones. Opponents say residents are taxed enough and can't afford paying more.

Around 40% of voters supported the tax increase, but 60% were against it.

Now the school system has to find a new way to get funding.

"I appreciate the people of Athens, and I think this vote was about fiscal responsibility," said Chairman of the vote no campaign, John Wahl.

Wahl isn't surprised by the results and says the government should start living within their means.

Athens Board of Education President, Russell Johnson was disappointed by the results but says the school system will still find a way to build new schools.

"It is vital to our school system that we implement this so we have sit down and figure out what is going to be the best course at this point to go forward," said Johnson.

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