Approval of sales tax expected to have positive impact on county's schools

The April 2 election saw the approval of the Union County School Facility Sales Tax proposal by a count of 1,376 to 926. 

With the passing of this referendum, a 1 percent sales tax increase will be implemented in Union County. 

Revenue generated by the tax can be used by Union County schools exclusively for improvement of facilities. 

This includes the construction of new buildings, repairs, safety and security improvements, renovations and infrastructure projects. 

Funds can also be used to refund bonds or abate property taxes levied to pay bonds. 

From the beginning, Anna-Jonesboro Community High School District No. 81 superintendent Rob Wright was an advocate for the referendum, communicating the positive effect it can have for the schools and the community. 

“It gives us a stream of revenue that we can count on every year and plan accordingly, regardless of what the general assembly or state budget is,” said Wright. 

“This will allow us to begin planning for much needed repairs and maintenance that has been deferred over the years.”

Many Union County school boards have been working to attain financial solvency for their school districts while also balancing the costs for facility construction and repairs. 

Wright said the new revenue source will give school districts a greater ability to provide for their students without compromising their budget.

“We have strived over the past few years to shore up our finances in order to better be able to withstand any downturns or shortfalls in the future, so that the quality of education will not be diminished for our students,” Wright said. 

“This new revenue will enable us to not have to dip into our funds designed to be used for instruction in order to fix a leaky roof or failing HVAC system.”

With the approval of the referendum, the Anna-Jonesboro Community High School District No. 81 board has laid out plans to put the money to use with some overdue school improvements. 

“The board has already approved a five-year strategic plan that includes several repairs or renovations to our facilities,” Wright said. 

“Our top priorities continue to be to replace all failing roofs and also to renovate the locker rooms in lower Union Hall. In addition, we are also looking to make a new entrance into the building for security purposes.”