Early voting is now open for the April city elections for Taylorville. One of the biggest issues on the ballot is the tax referendum for Taylorville schools. Many local leaders in the community have come out in support of the referendum, including Patty Hornbuckle, CEO of the Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce, who says a gutted school system could mean potential businesses deciding to establish themselves elsewhere.

Hornbuckle mentioned during an appearance on the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show how at the most recent LEAD meeting, the class learned about another economic organization in the city that is backing the referendum.

Hornbuckle also said she’s disappointed in the negativity she’s seen around town regarding the referendum, and invited anybody in the community to her office to discuss the pros and cons of the referendum.

She said the citizens of Taylorville need to support their town, and help to provide the best school district they can for the students.

Should the referendum fail, the Taylorville School District has planned to cut nearly all extracurricular activities, several teaching positions, and adopt a common core curriculum in an effort to keep the school’s budget balanced due to a lack of funds received from the state.