- April 25, 2024
-
-
Loading
Loading
On the Nov. 8 ballot, Flagler County voters will decide whether to extend a half-cent sale surtax for another 10 years, raising $8 million per year for technology, safety, buses and other improvements for Flagler Schools. The Flagler County Commission voted 4-0 to add the tax to the ballot and also encouraged the school administration to now reach out to the community to make sure voters know the importance of supporting the sales tax extension.
"It's in the public's hands," County Commission Chair Joe Mullins said.
In the past 10 years, Flagler Schools has used the sales tax funds to provide laptops and tablets for students, allowing students to be prepared for at-home learning before the pandemic.
Students spoke in favor of the sales tax, at the meeting, saying it provided them opportunities to excel in their education and career development.
“I think this is really important,” County Commissioner Greg Hansen said to Flagler School Superintendent Cathy Mittelstadt after her presentation. “I encourage you to do the best you can … to get the word out.” He offered to speak to groups at the school administration’s request, if needed.
County Commissioner Andy Dance added: “I’ve witnessed so many students that have been benefited from the funds from the half-penny sales tax. It’s crucial to help us continue to be a top district in the state.”
Mullins also supports the half-cent sales tax; he encouraged the administration to be transparent and invite public input on how the funds are spent.
County Commissioner Dave Sullivan praised the district’s plan for how to spend the dollars, but, he said, “The burden now falls on you guys to make sure that … people know what’s going on.”
