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The time has arrived to renew the 1-cent sales tax that helps fund the much needed repairs, renovations, and, in one case, replacement of some of our Gainesville and Hall County schools. I stress "renew" because this tax is not a "new" tax but one that has been in place for the past several years. It has helped fund much-needed school building projects in both the city and the county that otherwise would have been funded by an increased property tax.
As a retired educator and senior citizen, I am deeply concerned with the condition of some of our schools, particularly Fair Street Elementary which can continue to house students safely for only a year or two more. I am concerned, also, as are most senior citizens on a fixed income, with an increase in the millage rate that will be necessary to replace a soon-to-be-condemned school whose original structure dates from 1937. While many seniors will have difficulty paying an increased property tax, none will suffer from the extension of the one cent sales tax.
Finance aside, I believe passionately that our students deserve to be educated in a safe and comfortable environment free from leaky roofs, crumbling plumbing and outdated wiring. In reviewing the proposed use of the renewed E-SPLOST funds, it is apparent that they will be used to rebuild, renovate and replace existing facilities.
Our educators and elected boards of education have carefully assessed the needs of our schools and have presented a "no frills" budget for buildings. I, for one, have already voted "yes" to renew the E-SPLOST. I urge you, too, to vote "yes."
Helen O'Keefe
Gainesville