The controversy between County Council and the School Board over Fairfield County tax bills is once again in front of the Council.

The Council is set to meet at 6 p.m. Monday and is expected to take up the issue.

The two government bodies are at odds over how much property owners can be taxed to cover the ‘07 - ‘08 District budget which was approved by the Board in June.

The County contends that a 2006 state law caps the millage rates that may be charged. The School District contends that a state law requiring a “minimum local effort” (the amount of money that must be charged to local taxpayers) is still in place and that the “minimum local effort” must used in funding the District’s budget.

“We have done what we are required to do by state law - adhering to the minimum effort and at the same time submitting our budget for approval,” Superintendent of Education Dr. Samantha Ingram said.

It is the responsibility of Fairfield County government to send out tax notices, which includes millage requirements for the Fairfield County School District.

Millage is defined as a tax rate on property, expressed in mills per dollar of value of the property.

Although the District is asking for the “minimum local effort,” Ingram is formulating ways in which the budget could be cut to make up for the $1.4 million shortfall.

One of the courses of action that Ingram is pursuing is the elimination of (non teaching) positions that have been vacant.

At an October meeting of the Board, attorney Charles Boykin stated that a superintendent cannot cut teacher salaries or jobs without getting board approval.

Ingram was instructed to make recommendations to the Board, if budget changes became necessary due to a revenue shortfall.