Vestavia Hills voters Tuesday rejected a proposed property tax hike to benefit the school system. The hike was defeated by a vote of 56-44%. 4099 voters opposed the increase, while 3100 supported it. The 9.8 mill hike would have added $500 to the average property tax bill. After the votes were counted, Superintendent Todd Freeman issued a statement saying the outcome "does not indicate a lack of support for our schools." Freeman added that he was confident the schools will continue to receive support from the public. It was the latest in a series of defeats for school systems seeking to increase property taxes. Chelsea voters last year rejected a property tax increase to support a city school system, while voters in Tuscaloosa County rejected a tax hike in February.