On November 4, 2008, the Missouri Supreme Court issued a unanimous opinion in favor of the Franklin County Commission, represented by Thomas Tueth and Michelle Basi of Tueth Keeney. The case involved an alleged violation of the Hancock Amendment based on the County Commission tax rate levy for the county’s 2006 property taxes. In a 7-0 decision written by Chief Justice Laura Denvir Stith, the Supreme Court of Missouri affirmed the trial court’s judgment in favor of the County Commission. The Court held that the Hancock Amendment limits levy increases, and revenue increases of more than the rate of inflation, but does not apply to the minimal increase in revenue due to an increase in assessed valuation, which was at issue in this case.

Thomas E. Tueth practices in the areas of education, higher education, labor and employment and civil litigation law. Tom’s experience includes representation of public school districts, colleges and universities, private schools and not-for-profit organizations throughout Missouri. He counsels and speaks to school officials on a wide variety of topics including employment discrimination, sexual harassment, contracts and tenure, rights of students, negligence and general liability, church and state, school finance and employee organizational matters. Tom provides ongoing advice to dozens of public school districts, private schools and institutions of higher education.

Michelle H. Basi practices in the areas of education and immigration. Michelle previously served as a Summer Associate with the Firm. She represents public entities with respect to employment and termination matters, wage-hour compliance, student discipline and student rights, civil rights, and church/state issues.

Missouri Education - The law firm of Tueth Keeney Cooper Mohan & Jackstadt, P.C., has one of the largest and most successful education law groups in the country. The Firm regularly serves the legal counsel needs of approximately 150 school districts throughout Missouri. The Firm also has one of the largest school law practices in Central and Southern Illinois.