LOUISVILLE, Ky. —

A Jefferson County Public Schools task force is evaluating ways to close a $188 million budget gap, hearing Monday evening from the Kentucky Department of Education about taxing options available to the district.

Among the measures discussed were utility taxes, property tax adjustments, and the “nickel” — a dedicated property tax for facilities improvements.

A majority of task force members signaled opposition to recommending a utility tax, citing concerns about its impact on lower-income families.

“Jefferson County is unique amongst its sister school districts throughout the rest of the state in that we don't utilize the utility tax because it is regressive,” said task force member James Craig. “Because it is regressive, it has a harder impact on the pocketbooks of y

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