Lawmaker appeals to attorney general's office to avoid property tax raise

(Jay-AP) -- A state lawmaker is asking the attorney general's office if the Kenwood School District can have more time to pay off a wrongful termination lawsuit.

The school owes a 300-thousand dollar judgment from the lawsuit brought by former superintendent Garland Lane.

Officials are hoping to avoid the possibility of quintupling property taxes for homeowners in the district.

State Senator Rick Littlefield of Grove sent a letter to the attorney general's office asking if the judgment could be paid over the next three years. Gerald Adams - spokesman for Attorney General Drew Edmondson - says the matter will be researched.

But State Auditor Clifton Scott says the school district has enough federal Impact Aid money set aside to pay off the judgment.

The Delaware County Excise Board put off a decision on the proposed property tax hike today to examine other options.