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Board approves county sign-off for tax-exempt bonds for charter school expansion
Summary
Commissioners approved Resolution 25-17 to provide the required county approval for tax-exempt bonds a charter school is using to add classrooms; staff emphasized the bonds do not obligate county taxes or county liability.
The Columbia County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday approved Resolution 25-17, a formal approval required under federal rules for tax-exempt bonds that a charter school is using to add classrooms.
County staff explained the action is a required approval for the school’s use of tax-exempt financing and does not create a county obligation to repay the bonds. "It has nothing to do with county taxes," a county staff member said, adding the county is not liable for the debt and that the school bears the liability.
Why it matters: Under federal tax rules, certain tax-exempt private activity or qualified school construction bonds require local-government approval or a public hearing. The board’s sign-off enables the charter school to proceed with financing its classroom additions using tax-exempt bonds; staff said a public hearing was held as part of the transparency steps.
Board action: Commissioner Mollier moved to approve Resolution 25-17; the motion carried by voice vote. County staff said this is not a county-backed debt and that a prior similar approval for the school had been completed without issue.
Background: County staff noted the school is adding classrooms and is using tax-exempt bonds under federal rules. The county’s action is procedural — to provide the statutorily required public notice and approval — and does not mean the county guarantees debt service.
Ending: County staff offered to answer follow-up questions about the transaction from commissioners or members of the public.
