For one of the few times in its history, the Fayette County Board of Realtors has decided to make its feelings known on a political issue.

President Carolyn McCullough explained the board has decided to back a proposed special purpose local option sales tax that heads to the voters Sept. 21.

“We don't get on bandwagons very quickly. But we believe this tax will protect and enhance residents' property values,” she said.

Voters will decide whether to add a penny to the county's sales tax to fund an estimated $90 million in upgrades and expansion to the county's school system.

McCullough said the SPLOST has been effective for schools in neighboring counties, adding that a vote for the tax makes “business sense.”

“Folks from other counties who shop here will help build our schools, instead of all the burden being placed on property owners,” McCullough said.

When the Realtors looked at the school system's proposal to pay for expansion through the sales tax, they realized it was time to get out and help spread the message, she said.

“When people look at the actual projects and discuss the actual issues, they realize it's good for Fayette County,” she said.

In years past, the board has helped the county devise a sign ordinance and helped in some statewide races. But McCullough believes this is the most important local issue that the board has thrown its weight behind.

Members of the board have been speaking to different groups throughout the county and have been trying to make sure residents understand the importance of the issue.

“In the past, there has been some animosity towards the school board, but passing this issue is really important for the kids and the future of education in the county,” she said.

Back to Real Estate Home Page | Back to the top of the page