An Education Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (E-SPLOST) is a one-cent sales tax that lasts a maximum of five years or until the established cap is reached. Legislation enacted in 1985 allows school districts the option to ask voters for the ability to levy and collect a one percent sales tax to help fund school improvements. It can be used to pay for capital projects or to retire debt, but cannot be used to pay government operating expenses, such as salaries. On August 10, 2021, the Board of Education approved a referendum resolution to continue the E-SPLOST. The current E-SPLOST ends September 30, 2022. This referendum asks to continue the one-cent E-SPLOST for five years, from October 1, 2022, to September 30, 2027, or until a cap of $28.6 million is reached, whichever comes first.
A continuation of the E-SPLOST will provide funds to improve safety and security, facilities, technology, and transportation. Overall the funds would be used to create safer and better learning environments.
The special election vote will be on November 2, 2021. Advanced in-person voting begins October 12, 2021, at 210 South 7th Street Room, 103.