Board votes on referendum for separate district

The Bartlett Board of Mayor and Aldermen on Tuesday night became the latest suburban government to take an official step toward establishing a municipal school system.

The board unanimously approved on first reading an ordinance to hold a referendum allowing voters to decide if they want to form a Bartlett education system.

The board also approved an accompanying ordinance for a referendum increasing the local option sales tax rate from 2.25 percent to 2.75 percent to help fund the system.

All six of Shelby County suburbs are in various stages of similar approvals aiming for a May 10 date for referendums on separate municipal school systems.

Bartlett’s second reading will be at the board’s regular meeting on Feb. 28. Final reading and a public hearing are scheduled for a special called meeting on March 6.

—Clay Bailey