THANK YOU DAWSON COUNTY VOTERS! 72.5% OF VOTERS SUPPORTEDTHE ESPLOST FOR SCHOOLS.
Election day is November 7, 2023. The school system has a very important referendum on the ballot. Dawson County voters are deciding whether or not to continue the current one-cent sales tax known as ESPLOST. Polls are open 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM. Learn more below:
Please view the video below for a few highlights from our current ESPLOST and a message from our students!
ESPLOST FOR EDUCATION - INVESTING IN THE FUTURE OF OUR STUDENTS
Thank you to the citizens of Dawson County for your continued support of ESPLOST, the 1% sales tax that benefits students and schools. You are investing in our future!
The Board of Education approved the ESPLOST VII Resolution and called for Election on November 7, 2023. The resolution calls for a continuation of a one percent sales tax for educational purposes. ESPLOST stands for Education Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax.
WHAT IS ESPLOST?
E-SPLOST is a Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) for education. It is a one-cent sales tax on all retail purchases. This means that everyone who purchases in the county, including visitors, contributes to the responsibility of educating students.
WHAT WILL THE CONTINUED PENNY ESPLOST PROVIDE?
By Georgia law, the funds can only be used for capital improvements. They cannot be used to pay the salaries of any school system employee. The money can be used to:
- Build new schools and facilities
- Purchase new school buses
- Upgrade technology
- Provide safety and security measures
- Improve existing schools and facilities (HVAC, roofs, paving, cafeteria equipment, etc.)
FACTS TO KNOW ABOUT THE CONTINUATION OF ESPLOST
1. There are no new sales taxes.
2. This is an extension of the current sales tax, not an additional tax.
3. Renewal sales tax starts when the current one ends.
4. Anyone who shops in Dawson County pays sales tax. For every $1 of ESPLOST collected, 85 cents is by non-Dawson Residents.
5. Funds help to continue providing modern, safe, and secure facilities.
6. Quality schools promote brighter futures for students and economic growth for the community.
HOW WILL THE SCHOOL DISTRICT USE THE FUNDS IF THE REFERENDUM PASSES ON NOVEMBER 7, 2023?
New Construction & Land Acquisition = $57 million - 5th Elementary School, Transportation Facility, Land for Future Growth
Facility Upgrades & Renovations = $10 million - Expansion at DCJHS, Elementary Gyms, Construction Lab
Investments in School Safety, Technology & Transportation = $11 million - Safety Barriers on Playgrounds, CyberSecurity, Tech Devices, Buses
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT IS THE ADVANTAGE OF AN ESPLOST?
The ESPLOST shares educational facilities and equipment costs with visitors and all citizens – not just property owners. Sales tax offsets property tax and helps keep property taxes stable.
IS THIS A TAX INCREASE?
No. Dawson County sales tax will remain at its current level. The referendum will extend the current 1% educational sales tax for five years. Collection of this renewal ESPLOST will begin after the current ESPLOST expires.
WHY DO WE NEED A CONTINUATION OF THE CURRENT ESPLOST?
The goal of the Dawson County School System is to ensure all students have access to safe, secure, and conducive learning environments that meet their academic needs. Without an ESPLOST, the system would need to issue school bonds for its capital needs. Property taxes would have to increase to pay for needed facility improvements or equipment. ESPLOST collects funds equally from property owners, non-property owners, and non-residents of Dawson County who spend money in our county. A continuation of ESPLOST allows the district to fulfill the needs identified in its five-year facilities plan. The five-year facilities plan outlines new facility needs and facility replacement/improvement needs based on age/condition of facilities and student enrollment and growth!
RECENT PROJECTS FUNDED WITH ESPLOST
