Palm Beach Voters Favor Half-Cent Sales Tax to Support Schools
Preliminary Results Indicate Strong Support for Measure
Palm Beach voters appear to have favored a half-cent sales tax to support schools, with about 60% of voters supporting the measure at around 9:15 p.m. on Tuesday, with all early voting in and 759 of 798 Election Day precincts in.
Replacement of Expired One-Cent Tax
The measure would replace a one-cent tax that was agreed to eight years ago. If passed, the new tax would lower the total sales tax from 7% to 6 1/2%. If it fails, the tax would go down to 6%.
School Officials Optimistic
Palm Beach County school officials were optimistic prior to the vote. "The 1/2 Penny for Schools provides the resources needed to enhance safety and security, modernize schools, and provide students and teachers with the latest classroom technology and equipment," said Superintendent Michael Burke.
Benefits of the Tax
The tax would be used to help purchase, maintain, and repair and refurbish facilities and equipment. "With over 30 million square feet of facilities, the District needs to maintain and replace aging roofs, renovate restrooms, and upgrade lighting and HVAC systems throughout local schools," the district said on its website. Additionally, funds from this half-penny measure would enhance school security, purchase buses, and update technology for students and teachers.
School Enhancement Funds
Schools would also receive School Enhancement Funds for projects decided by their School Advisory Council. This would allow schools to make decisions on their own needs and priorities.
Background on the Tax
In 2016, voters approved a one-cent sales tax, with half the money going to the district and half going to the county and cities. However, that tax will expire in 2025, and the County Commission and League of Cities decided not to ask voters to renew it. The Palm Beach County School Board decided it still had continued needs for that revenue and agreed to place a half-cent tax on the ballot.
Benefits for Both District-Operated and Charter Schools
If passed, the measure would benefit both district-operated and charter schools.
FAQs
Q: What is the purpose of the half-cent sales tax?
A: The tax would be used to support schools in Palm Beach County, providing resources for safety and security, modernization, and technology.
Q: How will the tax be used?
A: The tax would be used to purchase, maintain, and repair and refurbish facilities and equipment, as well as enhance school security, purchase buses, and update technology for students and teachers.
Q: Who will benefit from the tax?
A: Both district-operated and charter schools in Palm Beach County would benefit from the tax.
Q: What happens if the tax fails?
A: If the tax fails, the sales tax would go down to 6%.
