Board calls for Nov. 4 vote to reauthorize 1¢ East Blost sales tax and allow G.O. debt to pre-fund projects

The Bibb County Board of Education voted July 17 to adopt a resolution calling an election on Nov. 4, 2025 to reauthorize the one-cent East Blost sales tax (countywide) to fund educational capital projects and to permit issuance of general-obligation debt payable from the tax to pre-fund those projects.

District staff said the current penny sales tax, first approved in 2019, expires at the end of 2025. The administration’s project list—distributed at the meeting and characterized by staff as the latest version—identified an anticipated capital program cost in the neighborhood of $250 million with roughly $50 million to be financed by general-obligation debt. Staff noted a statutory deadline to publish the call for election by Aug. 6 if the board wishes the measure to appear on the Nov. 4 ballot.

Sam Kitchens presented the item and answered trustees’ questions. Several trustees asked about specific athletic improvements on the project list and raised questions about the use of Henderson Stadium versus the district’s owned stadiums (Thompson and Eddy Ford). Kitchens said Thompson’s renovation increased seating capacity and that athletics leadership believed two renovated district-owned stadiums could accommodate schedules, but several board members from the Central and Southwest districts said using Henderson Stadium less often is an equity concern for families and asked staff to consider making Henderson more available.

The East Blost advisory committee had not yet reviewed the final project list, Kitchens said; the advisory panel was scheduled to meet next month.

The board approved the resolution to call the election; Mr. Morton moved the motion and Dr. Fickland seconded. Trustees voted unanimously to send the measure to the consent agenda; staff will publish the legally required call and begin the election timetable.