SUSSEX COUNTY, Del. -- On Thursday, voters in the Indian River School District went to the polls to cast their ballots for or against the district's current expense referendum. The school district says the referendum's purpose is to "seek funding for increased operating costs and the recruitment and retention of staff."
WBOC spoke with voters at Sussex Central High School in Georgetown and Long Neck Elementary School in Millsboro. Husband and wife Jeff and Ruby Spear said they agreed to disagree on their votes.
"I voted for it," says Ruby. "I'm in another school district, and I think that we have to keep our teachers here, and they have the beautiful buildings that we have in this county and in our area. It gives work to the other people and to keep good school teachers."
"I don't want to pay any more money out of my pocket," says Jeff. "I have no children in the district. I haven't had children in the district for 20 years."
Voters on both sides echoed their thoughts and concerns.
"They are saying they don't have enough money," said Felecia Straight. "Well, we have a senior citizen population here. We don't have it either."
"I'm going to vote yes," said Barbara Ellingsworth. "The cost of living went up so much that it only makes sense that the schools need more money."
With voter approval, the district says the referendum will result in a tax increase of $1.2105 per $100 of assessed property value, which correlates to an increase of $24.10 per month or $289.23 per year for the average district taxpayer.