ESPLOST VI Douglas County School System
What is ESPLOST? * Education Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax * Can be extended every five years by a vote of the citizens * Provides significant funding for the school system for projects not covered by the maintenance and operations budget * One cent sales tax is paid by any consumer who shops, purchases gas or eats in restaurants in Douglas County * ESPLOST collected in Douglas County since 1997
Update on Current ESPLOST V Penny Sales Tax Passed on March 1, 2016, by 69.33% of the vote ESPLOST V funds collected January 1, 2017- December 31, 2021 Collections through 7/31/19: $60 million Expected collections at end of ESPLOST V (12-31-21): $144 million Projects funded on a “Pay as You Go” basis
ESPLOST V Accomplishments to Date * Safety enhancements at all schools * Payment of bond debt * Purchase of instructional technology
ESPLOST V Accomplishments to Date * Removal of 26 mobile units housing 52 classrooms * Classroom additions at AHS, CHMS, LSES
What’s Next for Douglas County?
ESPLOST VI Will be on the ballot March 24, 2020 Funds will be collected January 1, 2022 -- December 31, 2026 Expected collections over five-year period: $187 million
ESPLOST VI – Use of Funds Up to $84 million or 45% will be used to pay off existing bonds. DCSS will completely pay off existing bonds by the end of ESPLOST VI on December 31, 2026.
ESPLOST VI -- Use of Funds Projects * Multi-purpose Indoor Arena * New Construction on Existing Campuses * Instructional Technology
ESPLOST VI – Multi-purpose Arena * The multi-use indoor arena will be used for graduation ceremonies and other school system and community events. * Expected cost: $30 million * To be funded through bonds, which will be paid off by the end of ESPLOST VI, December 31, 2026.
ESPLOST VI – Why Bonds for the Arena? * Bonds will allow planning and construction to begin immediately. * Construction costs will increase if we wait until we have money in hand. * We will pay off the new bond and all existing bonds by the end of ESPLOST VI, December 31, 2026.
Advantages of a Multi-use Arena All high schools will hold their graduation ceremonies indoors in Douglas County. School and district events can be held at the arena. The district can host state and region competitions that will generate sales tax dollars for the county. The community and organizations across the state can rent the facility.
For more information, go to dcssga.org and click the ESPLOST tab at the top of the page. Questions?
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