Gadsden school board approves resolution to place half‑cent capital outlay surtax on ballot

At a special meeting, the Gadsden County School Board voted unanimously to approve a resolution to place a discretionary half‑cent capital outlay surtax referendum on an upcoming election ballot. Board members and staff said the surtax is expected to generate about $2,000,000 annually for school facilities and capital needs, with final figures varying month to month based on local sales activity.

Staff presented the process and legal constraints that govern a school‑district surtax referendum. Dr. Jackson, who led the presentation, said the district must submit the board resolution and county ordinance to the Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability (OPPAGA) at least 180 days before the referendum and that OPPAGA must complete its performance audit no later than 60 days before the vote. "We anticipate somewhere around $2,000,000 generated annually," Dr. Jackson said when explaining the district's estimate based on 12‑month sales averages from the Florida Department of Revenue.

The draft referendum…