School district releases‘quick facts’ on half-cent sales tax extension

The day before school begins and just three months until voters take action, the Manatee County School District put out a four-page “quick facts” sheet to help educate voters on the proposed extension of the half-cent sales tax.

First passed in 2002, the half-cent sales tax brings in about $30 million per year for the district. Unless extended by voters in November, the half-cent sales tax will expire in 2017.

Officials have called the sales tax money “critical” for the district’s success.

At the same time the school district is asking for an extension, the county commission is also putting a half-cent sales tax proposal before voters. The county’s tax, is approved, would be a new tax. Both will appear on the November ballot.

A committee was recently formed to help educate and advocate for both the resolutions.

Check out the district’s document under the related links.

This story was originally published August 9, 2016 at 2:49 PM.