Dothan City Commission Passes Property Tax Referendum

The city commission voted yes to a referendum that will allow the people of Dothan the chance to vote on a property tax increase of up to 15 mills.

Some city commissioners say it all came down to democracy. They say it's not their place to take away someones opportunity to vote.

" I don't think we have the right to deny anybody the right to vote. Therefore, I'm going to vote and then let the citizens decide," said commissioner James Reading.

Commissioner Taylor Barbaree shared that same sentiment.

" My opinion is to let the people decide by vote and the way you do that is to put it on a referendum to allow the majority of the residents to decide what they want in this city," said commissioner Barbaree.

It was a five to one decision. The one no vote came from newly elected commissioner Albert Kirkland. Kirkland says he's doing what's right for his constituents.

" I did a random poll and 96.5 percent of people said they didn't want to see this on the referendum. I vote for my people," said Kirkland.

Kirkland says it was a tough decision, but one he stands behind.

" I struggled with this and prayed about it. I came to peace about this a couple days ago, but I did what was best for my people," said Kirkland.

Now the decision rests in the hands of state lawmakers. if it passes, the city will hold a special election to vote on the property tax increase.

Mayor Mike Schmitz says it can cost up to 80-thousand dollars to hold a special election.