Update: Madison County Commission chairman Gary Deaton clarifies his comments after the resolution for a $100 wheel tax failed in the County commission meeting on Tuesday.

Deaton says that he was referring to there not being a new Pope school after the proposed funding mechanism failed. Deaton was quoted as saying “Well, we won’t be building any new schools.”

However Commissioner Deaton contacted News/Talk 101.5 FM to say he intended to say there would not be a new Pope Elementary.

Chairman Deaton added the next steps for the public private partnership are up to the city Council and it’s vote.

Although the County commission did approve the public private partnership and the Pope school funding for Pope school failed 12 in favor 11 against 2 absent.

The county will continue to study and look for additional funding options for a school in the north west county to replace Pope elementary.

(Photo: Pope Elementary School)