The City of Vestavia Hills will go to the polls on Tuesday, May 9, to vote on a tax increase proposed to fund the school system.

The proposed “1Rebel 1 Future” plan would raise taxes by 9.8 mills, the first increase in the school tax rate since 1990. That would provide an additional $8.42 million a year.

“Our aging facilities are showing signs of fatigue and deficiencies that are not the standard we expect at Vestavia Hills,” said Superintendent Todd Freeman.

The median home in Vestavia Hills costs $501,431. The tax for the median home would go up $491.40 per year, according to the plan’s tax calculator. That would add $40.95 per month to a mortgage payment.

About 44 percent of the revenue would go to improving and renovating existing buildings for the school system; 22 percent for new academic programs; 17 percent would go to new and renovated arts and athletics facilities at Vestavia Hills High School; and 17 percent for school operations.

The school has a web site with more information on the plan, where taxpayers can calculate the increase in taxes on their homes.

Additional information on the election, including polling places and a sample ballot, can be found at the city’s election page web site.