2. The Need Unaddressed Maintenance Issues Safety Hazards & ADA Standards Construction and Modernization Security & Safety (ex. cameras, security fences) Roof & Ceiling Repairs School Bus Maintenance Non-Fire Retardant Curtains Examples

3. Operating vs. Capital Operating Expenses Salaries & Benefits Textbooks / Materials Utilities Supplies Capital Expenses Buildings School Buses Fire Alarms Technology

4. Current Sources Insufficient Two Revenue sources: –Public Education Capital Outlay (PECO) –Property Taxes (Capital Millage) Both sources have decreased substantially over the last 8 years: –PECO 71% decrease since 2007/2008 –Capital Millage 46% decrease since 2007/2008

5. One Possible Solution What is Fair ? Increased Property Tax |Bond Issue –Only those paying property taxes in Highlands County carry the burden –Targets one specific industry –Responsibility not shared by all

6. Half-Cent Sales Tax The Best Solution Entire community shares responsibility Visitors also contribute Many hands make light work “Public school quality uniquely contributes to community satisfaction” NEAL, Z. P. and WATLING NEAL, J. (2012), THE PUBLIC SCHOOL AS A PUBLIC GOOD: DIRECT AND INDIRECT PATHWAYS TO COMMUNITY SATISFACTION. Journal of Urban Affairs

7. Half-Cent Sales Tax | Small Impact Exempt Items: Food & Household remedies (prescriptions, antacids, etc.) Large Purchases: For example autos, only first $5,000 will be assessed additional tax (maximum $25) Family Example Family income of $45,000 Total Estimated Annual Tax = $54.00/yr “About $1 a week”

8. Half-Cent Sales Tax | Significant Results Estimated to generate approximately $4.2 Million per year Low impact on residents to significantly improve schools and community Small investment in the future leaders of Highlands County Counties that have passed this tax: Bay Brevard Calhoun Escambia Flagler Hernando Jackson Leon Liberty Manatee Monroe Orange Polk St. Johns St. Lucie Santa Rosa Volusia

9. Ways you can help Place a sign in your yard Write a Letter to the Editor Like us on Facebook Put us in contact with your organization, business or church to help spread the message And finally…

10. Make sure to VOTE on August 30 th 2016 www.highlands.k12.fl.us/HalfCentSalesTax