Smith asks commission for PILOT money

Superintendent Rick Smith told Hamilton County commissioners Tuesday that new school buildings aren’t the only costs of population growth.

There’s also the challenge of paying personnel who will teach in them, he said.

That’s why he asked commissioners to release about $ 1.2 million the county has been holding in escrow since last year from payments in lieu of property taxes made by corporations and industries. At least another $ 1 million is scheduled to be collected this month.

In February 2010, commissioners decided to hold on to PILOT revenues from agreements made after 2010 and designated for school capital projects and maintenance.

Schools officials recently have been saying they’d like to get their hands on that money.

“A new building is incredible in what it does

ful touching.

Family members were frustrated that they were not told what was happening during this time, but Hollis said that privacy laws forbid school officials from sharing information about another student with parents, even one who has been punished for acts against one’s own child. The school will not reveal publicly the student’s grade or the final resolution.

Said Evatt, “The parents just want someone to hold accountable.”

Calls to Watts were not returned by press time.

Contact staff writer Steve Hardy at 423-757-6476 or shardy@timesfreepress.com.