City Council to Approve $76k for School Trips & More [See Full Breakdown]

The Gardendale City Council has been on a spending spree in the last 30 days for Gardendale’s four public schools. The Council is set to approve another $76,646.05 to the local schools in Resolution 2023-140, which will bring the total spend to $1,109,790.09 in less than 30 days.

The Council approved $785k at their August 21st meeting and $248k at their September 5th meeting.

What is on tap to be approved at the September 18th meeting ($76,646.05)?

Gardendale Elementary School:
Camp Cosby for 5th Graders in the amount of $12,750.00
GAGA Pit in the amount of $19,553.00
Scholastic New Magazine in the amount of $658.90

Snow Rogers Elementary:
Camp McDowell Field Trip in the amount of $8,250.00
Robotics Supplies in the amount of $1,500.00
Teacher Wellness Supplies in the amount of $1,800.00
Countertop Ice Maker in the amount of $188.00
Vacuum Cleaner in the amount of $299.95
GAGA Pit in the amount of $19,553.00

Bragg Middle School:
Classroom Collaboration Tables and Chairs in the amount of $5,935.20.

Gardendale High School:
Senior Trip to Montgomery in the amount of $3,300.00
Two Yearbook/Journalism Cameras in the amount of $2,858.00

The funds come from the special Ad Valorem Tax Account that many locally refer to as the 5-mil Property Tax. The tax dollars can only be used for public school purposes and the city collects approximately 1 million per year through the tax.

Gardendale, in effect, has two “school taxes.” One goes to the school district and a 2nd tax is allocated by the Gardendale City Council.