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Resident questions proposed 1% sales tax for schools; staff explains state tracking and allowable uses
Summary
A resident asked who would control a proposed 1% sales tax for schools and how the revenue would be used; county staff said the state collects the tax, must segregate it in a separate fund, and limits its use to school debt service, repairs and operations.
During citizens’ time, resident David Fulton (S6) raised questions about a proposed 1% sales tax for the ballot, asking who would control the revenue and whether it could be used for non-school needs.
Staff (S3) replied that state law requires the revenue be placed in a separate fund, that the state collects the tax and remits earmarked proceeds back to the locality, and that the revenue "can only be used for debt service and repairs related to school buildings or school operations." Staff also said auditors would ensure compliance and that the county could not use the money for EMS stations or police vehicles.
Fulton and other board members pressed for clearer public information, and several supervisors said more work was needed to inform citizens about how the tax would operate if placed on the ballot.
