On Tuesday, Okaloosa County voters said “Yes” to pass the half-cent sales tax.
The goal of the half-cent sales tax is to fund the acquisition of land, construct and improve school facilities, acquire equipment including technology, and to service bond debt.
According to the School Cents Makes Cents campaign, the revenue from the half-cent sales tax would be used “solely to finance a comprehensive plan to improve safety and modernize facilities. Specifically, the funds will be used on construction, maintenance and repairs to schools, safety improvements (such as creating a single point of entry, perimeter security and cameras), replacing old buses, and technology.”
“Tonight we gained a victory for the students and employees of the Okaloosa County School District,” said Superintendent Marcus Chambers. “The Half Cent Sales Tax will serve our School District well. We will be transparent and spend these dollars responsibly. Thank YOU Okaloosa County.”