VIDALIA, La. — Residents’ opinions were split Monday on a proposed 13-mill, five-year tax increase to build new classrooms for Concordia Parish public schools and give teachers and support workers salary supplements.

&uot;It’s for a teacher raise. They deserve it,&uot; said Angie Martin of Lake Concordia. &uot;If we can pay $32 more a year and get good teachers, I’m all for it, because (teachers) will leave if we don’t.&uot;

&uot;It wouldn’t change taxes much for the average taxpayer, but I’m against it because … I’m not confident it would be used for the schools,&uot;&160;said Charles Stephens of Lake St. John.

&uot;It will be clearly understood before Oct. 7 that the 13 mills will be used for buildings and pay supplements,&uot; said Superintendent Lester &uot;Pete&uot; Peterman.

The increase of 13 mills — a mill equals one-tenth of every cent of a property’s assessed value — would cost the owner of $100,000 house an extra $32.50 in taxes a year. It would raise $510,000 a year to build classrooms and give teachers and support workers salary supplements.

And voters will be asked to renew a 25-mill, 10-year tax in place since 1991, which generated more than $1.5 million in 1999 for school operations. Both measures will be on the ballot Oct. 7 and would need a majority vote.

&uot;I know people are taxed to death, but I&160;don’t have any problem with (the proposed tax increase), as long as it is used for what they say it will be,&uot;&160;said Jerry McCarty of Ferriday.

&uot;I’m against it,&uot;&160;said Willard Mohon of Vidalia. &uot;When I&160;don’t use my money wisely, and I&160;run out of money, I can’t … go to taxpayers and ask for more.&uot;

Mohon pointed out that in mid-May, the district reached a $381,149 settlement with former superintendent James Lee, who was ousted by the School Board in early 1999. That money, Mohon believes, would have been better spent on other things.

&uot;Teachers haven’t had a raise in a long while. Plus, they’re state mandated to do a lot of things, … and if you’re going to expand your programs, you need more room,&uot;&160;said Glenn Sharp of Ridgecrest. &uot;And the money’s got to come from somewhere.&uot;