Chamber Endorses Education SPLOST
The Greater Rome Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors announced today that it is endorsing the renewal of the current Education SPLOST (Special Purpose, Local Option Sales Tax). Rome and Floyd County citizens will vote on the SPLOST September 16, 2008.
“The Board of Directors of the Greater Rome of Commerce voted unanimously to support the Education SPLOST III. Rome and Floyd County have a commitment to offering superior educational opportunities for our children. Education is often identified by current employers as necessary to their continuation of business. Additionally, prospective businesses and industry exploring expansion and relocation to our area look at the educational opportunities offered. This SPLOST is the most fair and equitable way of creating the quality learning environment our children deserve,” stated Chairman of the Board Randy Quick, South107, Q102, WRGA, WGJK.
Education SPLOST III is a continuation of the current penny sales tax for education and will not change the existing sales tax in Floyd County. The penny sales tax spreads the responsibility of providing quality facilities for education to all citizens (and visitors) of the community. Everyone who spends money in Floyd County is funding the Education SPLOST III. Up to an estimated 40% of the funding will be provided by citizens living outside the Rome/Floyd County area.
Renewing Education SPLOST III will help reduce overcrowding in schools, provide improved technology, create safer and updated learning facilities, and will provide our children with the quality learning environment they deserve. Both school systems have limited ways to fund facility needs. Without sales tax money, most of the projects identified will not be accomplished. Up to an estimated $80,650,000 will be generated if monthly collections remain flat over the five-year period. The Education SPLOST III funds will be divided between Rome City and Floyd County schools; using the latest student enrollment figures Rome City Schools will receive approximately 34% and Floyd County Schools will receive 66%.
Projects for both school systems promised by Education SPLOST I and SPLOST II have been completed or are under construction and will be completed in 2008. Education SPLOST III renewal will start after the current Education SPLOST II ends. Education SPLOST III will help reduce the need for portable classrooms so that Rome City and Floyd County children learn in modern, safe, permanent classrooms. Insuring that Rome and Floyd County have quality schools will promote economic growth and quality of life for our area.
“Education SPLOST III is a positive investment in the future of Rome and Floyd County. Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax is the most equitable way to provide the finest quality education for the youth in our community. With the belief that our youth are our future, the aspiration to make our schools the very best they can be and a continuous effort to bring more job opportunities to our area, we must support SPLOST III,” stated Ms. Jan Fergerson, Ford, Gittings, and Kane.
“The Floyd County and Rome City School systems have been excellent stewards of the previous two Education SPLOST packages and have done a great job of working with the parents to determine the projects for SPLOST III. More than any time before, the education of our students is paramount to their individual success and the successful growth of our community. Voting for SPLOST III is a vote for that continued success and the excellence that both Rome and Floyd County schools have achieved. By voting YES for the SPLOST we demonstrate that as citizens of this great community that we care about our students and community and that we understand the need to continue to invest in both their successes,” commented Mr. David Newby, Profile Extrusion Company.
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