Chatham County Votes on $705 Million Educational Tax

News Summary

Chatham County residents prepare for a critical vote on March 18 regarding the Educational Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (ESPLOST V). This $705 million extension aims to fund essential educational projects, including facilities upgrades and construction of new schools. Early voting has begun, but concerns about low participation arise as the final date approaches. Community support is crucial for enhancing local education.

Chatham County Set to Vote on $705 Million Educational Sales Tax Extension

Attention, residents of Chatham County! Next Tuesday, March 18, promises to be a crucial day for your community as citizens prepare to weigh in on the Educational Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax, or ESPLOST V. This vote is your chance to decide the future of educational funding in our area, and the stakes are high!

What’s on Your Ballot?

Early voting for ESPLOST V kicked off on February 24, giving residents the opportunity to voice their opinions before the big day. However, the window for mail-in ballots wrapped up on March 7, and in-person early voting will conclude this Friday, March 14. If you haven’t made your voice heard yet, be sure to mark your calendar for Tuesday!

Funding for Education

So, what exactly is at stake? If approved, this extension would raise approximately $705 million through a continuation of the 1% penny sales tax in Chatham County. This substantial funding would go towards several much-needed projects aimed at enhancing the quality of education in our public schools.

Among the key projects in the pipeline are the following:

• Replacing the facility for the STEM Academy at Bartlett Middle School.
• Reimagining the 208 Bull Street space to serve as administrative offices and the new Bull Street Center for Architecture and Design.
• Constructing Pooler’s first high school as a part of a larger educational complex located on Pine Barren Road in West Chatham.

Looking Back: The Impact of ESPLOST

Over the past 20 years, the previous iterations of ESPLOST have contributed an impressive $400 million to local public education. These funds have been instrumental in supporting a variety of local contracts. Notably, around 40% of existing ESPLOST tax revenue comes from tourists visiting Savannah, which helps lessen the tax burden on local residents. This underscores just how beneficial this system can be for our community.

Who’s Supporting ESPLOST?

Supporters of ESPLOST V include key organizations such as the Savannah Chamber of Commerce. They highlight the tax’s focus on creating high-quality facilities and fostering workforce development training, which will ultimately benefit our community. ESPLOST V aims to put a strong emphasis on important upgrades to safety, security, and technology in schools, along with various renovation projects and new constructions. Even charter schools are set to receive some much-needed funding.

Opposition Voices

Low Voter Turnout Concerns

240,000 registered voters in the county. With less than a week to go, it’s crucial for community members to make their voices heard.

Spotlight on Teachers

$705 million to be redirected to teacher salaries, stressing that our educators deserve a fair wage to continue inspiring the next generation.

History of Approval

Make sure you are informed and ready to cast your vote on March 18. Your voice matters!

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Violence Strikes Savannah as Young Man Charged with Murder
Savannah School Board Votes on Property Taxes
Early Voting for ESPLOST V Kicks Off in Savannah
Savannah Women Who Rule Event Set to Inspire Community
Savannah Receives a Boost with $20,000 Grant for Housing Initiatives
March Weather Forecast and Community Event in Savannah
Educational ESPLOST 5 Receives Local Support
Savannah Choice Program Applications Open Soon
Georgia Launches New Scholarship Program for Students
Savannah School’s Living Wax Museum Event Faces Challenges

Additional Resources

• Savannah Now: Special Education Tax Election
• WTOC: Early Voting for ESPLOST Plan
• WSAV: ESPLOST Vote in March 18 Election
• Wikipedia: Educational Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Sales Tax