Did the sales taxes for schools pass in Muscogee, Chattahoochee counties? Results are here

Mark Rice
·3 min read

Columbus area voters in Muscogee and Chattahoochee counties voted in favor of requests from their school districts Tuesday to continue 1% sales taxes to pay for more capital projects, according to unofficial results on the Georgia Secretary of State’s website.

This tax is called an ESPLOST, an acronym for Education Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax.

Muscogee County ESPLOST

With all 25 Muscogee County precincts reporting, the yes votes totaled 11,153 (63%), and the no votes totaled 6,479 (37%).

This referendum asked voters whether to continue the 1% sales tax to fund MCSD capital projects another five years or until $290 million is collected. The projects listed on the ballot are:

  • Combining two elementary schools (Forrest Road and Wesley Heights) into an updated building.

  • Acquiring, constructing, adding to, renovating, modifying, repairing, improving or equipping existing schools, other buildings and facilities.

  • Upgrades at Double Churches Elementary School, Richards Middle School gym, Rothschild Middle School gym and Fort Middle School athletic fields.

  • Adding career readiness labs.

  • Upgrades at athletic facilities, the Columbus Museum and the Chattahoochee Valley Libraries.

  • Addressing any remaining needs for buildings and grounds.

  • Refreshing student and staff computers and other technology.

  • Replacing playgrounds and furniture.

  • Upgrading educational and athletic equipment.

  • Replacing school buses and other vehicles.

  • Addressing other facility needs.

  • Acquiring property for construction of new schools and facilities.

  • Issuance of general obligation debt in the principal amount of $90 million.

Muscogee County School District superintendent David Lewis wrote to the Ledger-Enquirer in an email, “I am extremely grateful to the E-SPLOST campaign committee, co-chaired by Steve Butler and Monk Johnson, and obviously, the citizens of Muscogee County for their continued support of this essential referendum that will enable our school district to continue to provide for the capital needs that benefit students and employees at all schools throughout our school district, the Columbus Museum and Library.

“In addition to addressing needed capital improvements, as Superintendent, I am particularly thankful for the $56 million dedicated to retrofitting schools to enhance student and employee safety.”

This was the sixth time in 27 years that MCSD has asked Columbus voters to approve or renew the ESPLOST. The school district has won all six attempts.

Asked what for the key to this victory, Lewis wrote, “First and foremost, our community has a long-standing commitment to its children and their education, and this decisive result is further evidence of that commitment. In addition, our district leadership team and Board of Education do not take that support for granted.

“We remain steadfastly committed to transparency and being good stewards of taxpayer dollars, which is validated by the Citizens’ E-SPLOST Committee comprised of representative stakeholders that monitor projects throughout the length of the referendum and make a final report to the community and Board of Education.

“Monthly progress reports are also made available to the public at board meetings. Moreover, the projects identified for funding are based on equity, prioritized needs assessments, and school, parent, and community feedback before and after the Board of Education approves the list. Finally, once projects are completed, the District ensures they are maintained properly. In short, promises are made, and promises are kept, which instills trust and confidence.”

Chattahoochee County ESPLOST

With the lone Chattahoochee County precinct reporting, the yes votes totaled 484 (80%), and the no votes totaled 123 (20%).

The ESPLOST referendum in Chattahoochee County asked voters to approve continuing the 1% sales tax for another five years or until $6.5 million is collected for capital projects, including:

  • Planning for a new school building.

  • Acquiring, constructing, repairing, improving, renovating, adding to, extending, upgrading, furnishing or equipping school buildings, athletic facilities, vehicles, equipment and infrastructure.

  • Paying off debt.

“We are quite excited with the outcome and very humbled by the continual support of our community,” ChattCo superintendent Kristie Brooks told the L-E in a text message. “Cusseta and Fort Moore consistently partner with our three ChattCo schools. This renewal is very important as it helps us prepare for growth and future buildings.”