Chamber Members Back Ed-SPLOST Renewal

WOODSTOCK, GA -- The Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce recently surveyed its membership regarding the upcoming Education SPLOST (Special Purpose Local Options Sales Tax), which calls for the continuation of the existing penny sales tax allocated for public education.

And the results of that survey look good for the Cherokee County School District.

Ninety-six percent of respondents support the continuation of the penny for schools within the system, the organization said.

The survey informed respondents of the present status of the Ed SPLOST in Cherokee County, which was renewed in 2006 and 2011, following its initial approval in 2001. The upcoming 5-year Ed SPLOST will focus on retiring obligations incurred over the past 15 years and the maintenance of critical investments.

• See also: School Board Approves Budget, Calls For Ed-SPLOST Renewal

The six focus areas for the upcoming Ed SPLOST referendum were also shared, which include a goal that debt service can retire all bonds by 2033. If approved, the revenue generated will be used in the following ways:

• Repayment of existing debt - $126 million
• Funding for new projects/additions - $18.5 million
• Continued investments in major renovations and repairs of facilities (including athletic facilities) and equipment - $35 million
• Continued investments in technology - $30 million
• Continued replacement of school buses as the current fleet ages - $15.5 million
• Continued land acquisition - $16 million

Cherokee County has one of the lowest sales tax rates in the state as it is one of only eight of Georgia’s 159 counties to collect at the 6 percent sales tax rate. The Ed SPLOST offers Cherokee County the option of paying for these costs through a sales tax that everyone – including many visitors to the county – pays based on consumption instead of through an increase in the property tax millage rate.

If property taxes were used instead of the Ed SPLOST, it would result in an immediate increase of 5 mills on every tax bill along with school district construction and purchases for technology and buses coming to a halt.

“The business community’s support of continuing the penny for education is evident in their positive response to the Chamber’s recent survey,” said Steve Garrison, owner of Canton Tire & Wheel and 2016 Chairman of the Chamber. “Education is a key cornerstone for Cherokee’s continued growth."

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