Suit challenging school tax hike

MARION -- A company is challenging a one-percent Williamson County sales tax referendum that voters approved in February for school construction.

P&S Grain and two attorneys argue that the referendum is invalid because it happened during a primary that doesn't count as what the plaintiffs call a "regular election."

Their lawsuit also says the Williamson County Board ordinance establishing the sales tax is invalid because it failed to amend another ordinance involving the tax.

The plaintiffs want to stop school bonds from being issued and tax revenue withheld while the lawsuit is pending.

Carterville schools Superintendent Tim Bleyer says the lawsuit is disappointing because it could have been brought and decided months ago.