The citizens of Tuscaloosa voted against a proposed property tax increase Tuesday which would have raised over $17 million for the municipal school system annually.

Unofficial results were in from ballot boxes in the city's seven districts a few hours after polls closed at 7 p.m. Tuesday and Superintendent Mike Daria and the entire city school board were together at the Central Office watching as they came.

The news was not what they wanted - the measure failed and TCS will have to find cuts to make as their 2025 budget includes a $6 million deficit - which will not be sustainable into the future.

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Unofficial results show the supporters of the hike drew 5,099 yes votes and 5,704 citizens voted no - a 47 percent to 53 percent defeat.

In a short press conference, Daria and the board said they hated to see the measure fail but were proud to see how much support they drew and said their commitment to students remains unchanged.

“School programs or services may look a little differently in the future, but as always, we are fully committed to our students and to preparing them for life and career success,” Daria said. “That commitment has not and will not change.”

Daria said he couldn't yet say what cuts specifically will have to be made in the wake of the measure failing, and the system will seek grant money where possible to cover shortfalls.

The movement to support the tax increase was headed by the Secure the Future PAC, led by Michele Coley and former teacher and principal Beth Curtis.

"Although we are disappointed, this defeat only strengthens our unwavering commitment to the schoolchildren of Tuscaloosa," said Coley. "We have an excellent team of administrators and teachers serving our system, and I am confident they will find ways to build upon the incredible progress our schools have made over the years."

"I am heartbroken by tonight's outcome, but TCS has some of the most dedicated professionals in this state, and tomorrow, they will all hit the ground running to achieve one goal: giving their best and creating the best for our kids," Curtis added.

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