Mountain Brook Could Raise Property Tax By 10 Percent

MOUNTAIN BROOK, AL - One of the most expensive cities in the state in which to live could become even more expensive. The Mountain Brook City Council this week voted to request the state legislature call for a referendum on raising property taxes for schools by 10 percent - an extra 10 mills.

Mountain Brook's millage rate is already at 99 mills, and the proposed increase would add $6 million to the school system every year, which would go toward capital projects and improvements in school safety, mental health services and professional development opportunities, according to a report by the Birmingham Business Journal.

The measure was recommended at a meeting of the Mountain Brook Board of Education by Superintendent Dicky Barlow. Barlow said if the state approves a referendum, the city may vote on it in late 2019 or 2020.

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A facilities audit in 2018 concluded Mountain Brook schools require significant upgrades, as the youngest school is 50 years old.

The last property tax increase in Mountain Brook was approved in 1991.

Photo by Michael Seale/Patch