January 20, 2017

Dear Jackson County Parents, Guardians, and Community Members:

Thank you for the overwhelming support of the County Facility Sales Tax initiative.  Now that the election is over and the votes have been canvassed and certified, we can move forward on our respective promises for the use of the Facility Sales Tax.  In the coming months, each individual Board of Education will be discussing priorities as they pertain to the facility and maintenance needs of each district.  Some districts will also have the opportunity to determine their ability to abate a portion of property taxes for previously sold bonds as a use of the sales tax revenue. 

We want to take this opportunity to share with you the associated timeline as it relates to the implementation of the County Facility Sales Tax.  As you can see, the sales tax goes into effect on July 1, 2017 and the first payment to each District is expected in early November 2017.

As a reminder, if it is not currently taxed, it will not be taxed.  This specific sales tax does not tax items that many people think to be essential to families, and especially, senior citizens.  Everything in the municipal and county sales tax base is included in the tax base except for the following:

·         Cars, Trucks, ATVs, Boats, RVs, Mobile Homes

·         Unprepared Foods

·         Over-the-Counter Prescriptions and Vitamins

·         Farm Equipment, Parts, and Farm Inputs

·         Services

Also, the revenue from this sales tax can only be used to maintain and improve school facilities or to make payments on existing bond debt issued for capital needs.  By law, the sales tax revenues cannot be used for:

·         Salaries and Benefits

·         Instructional Costs

·         Textbooks and Computers

·         Moveable equipment

·         School Buses

·         Operating Costs

We want all Jackson County voters to have accurate information about the implementation of the County Facility Sales Tax and how it will impact our schools and communities.  Please feel free to contact your local Superintendent with any questions or concerns. 

Again, we thank you for your assistance and support for the schools and most importantly the students of Jackson County.

Yours in Education,