What is it?
The ballot initiative that will go before Leon County voters will ask whether they favor continuing the current half-percent sales tax for school-related improvements throughout their public school district. Leon County voters approved the current “half-penny” sales tax in 2002; it expires at the end of 2012.
As is now the case, the extension would fund only capital improvements –bricks and mortar projects as well as school technology and transportation needs. Every project on the list (please see “Funding Our Future”) has been recommended and endorsed by school and district administrators, including Superintendent Jackie Pons. A citizens’ committee chaired by Tallahassee Community College President Jim Murdaugh is currently studying the recommendations and will issue its findings in May 2012.
Sales taxes are levied on all taxable goods. The half-penny tax in Leon County generates one-half of 1 cent for every dollar in taxable goods. For example, an item with a $10 price tag raises an extra 5 cents for school improvements. Because it is a tax on goods rather than property, approximately one-third of the revenue raised – one of every three dollars — is paid for by people who live outside of Leon County.