The Columbia School District said it needed the funds to make ends meet after a 10 million dollar budget shortfall. The board had decided to already cut 5 million dollars from the budget. Columbia's Superintendent now says cuts will have to go deep.

"The second priority list will affect teachers and classrooms unfortunately," said Phyllis Chase, Columbia School District Superintendent.

Some residents voted against the tax increase to send a message.

"The news isn't bad in the sense that it's gloomy about education," said Columbia resident John McCormick. "The news is really good in that the taxpayers are saying, 'rethink this folks and come back to us when you have your act together.' "