The Fayette County School System's proposed special purpose local option sales tax to provide for new facilities and other improvements has received the endorsement of the Home Builders Association of Midwest Georgia.

At its August meeting, the officers and directors of the association, whose service area includes Fayette County, voted to encourage passage of the local SPLOST proposal.

The vote on the school system's SPLOSt and bond referendum is scheduled Sept. 21. If approved, the proposal, which is accompanied by a $50 million bond sale, would provide funds for constructing two new elementary schools, a new middle school and a new high school. It would also fund additions at three high schools and three middle schools; renovations and improvements at 17 schools, including playground equipment at all elementary schools; technology improvements; and security enhancements in every school.

“Fayette County must meet the needs of a growing student population, if we are to maintain the high quality of education the county has been known for in the past,” said Dennis Floyd, president of the Home Builders Association of Midwest Georgia.

“We've studied the issue, and we agree that the SPLOST method is the best way to go. Because it is a sales tax, SPLOST funds do not impact property taxes in any way. In addition, under this proposal, the sales tax for schools is limited in duration (five years) and in total proceeds ($90 million).

“We also like the fact that the tax burden would not fall entirely on Fayette County property owners,” he added. “Under a sales tax, out-of-county visitors as well as residents of this county who do not pay property taxes, such as renters, would contribute to this through the payment of sales tax.”