The property tax is the primary source of funding for schools that is simply supplemented by local funds. This makes school funding already a hardship for the homeowner. So, if a tax levy is passed, the homeowner's tax rate increases, making the person most affected by the taxes the local homeowner. This is a controversial issue because local homeowners do not want to be the only ones funding schools, nor can schools be run alone. This will only cause them to be underfunded, underretained, and underpaid teachers, issues addressed in the DeRolph V. State court case that declared supporting schools with property taxes alone unconstitutional. Other cities use tax money from sales and taxes that businesses pay to help with school costs. However, there are only a few businesses in my hometown, and due to the size and makeup of the city, these businesses usually don't last more than a few years. This is a very isolated community and citizens tend to shop in other cities, where it may be cheaper, for the things they need, generating less revenue for the city and therefore fewer tax dollars for the school