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Winston-Salem--Forsyth County commissioners voted against a $223 million dollar bond referendum for Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools on the November ballot.

The money would have been used for much needed renovations and expansions to existing schools.

Commissioners say approving the money would be impossible because it would exceed the county's 15% debt limit policy, and because it would have significantly increased taxes.

"We're not seeing any growth in the tax base,” explained commission vice chair Debra Conrad. “Until those issues are resolved, I think its unwise to jump off the proverbial fiscal cliff, as dire as the needs are."

"We're certainly disappointed, but I think we do understand the guidelines they're operating under,” said Theo Helm with Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools. “The needs are there, and they are very specific and necessary."

School board leaders will discuss the issue further at their meeting Tuesday.

Commissioners say they'll make decisions on a bond referendum in 2016.