Half-cent Sales Tax
Situation:
Leon County Schools faced a $130 million shortfall in funds to pay for much needed repairs and renovations to school facilities. The Leon County Commission voted to put a half penny sales tax for schools on the ballot, with the support of the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce. But they faced an uphill battle to win public support, since a similar referendum had previously been voted down.
Strategy:
We helped to create and support a broad coalition called the Alliance for Better County Schools (ABCs) to raise public awareness about the need for repairs and renovations to school facilities and equipment. We invited the media along on a tour of schools to document their needs, along with a credible contingent of local business people and experts in construction, engineering and other relevant disciplines. Through this and other strategies to provide third-party validation for the need for a half penny sales tax, we kept the issue in the news and gained credibility with voters.
Outcome:
Our campaign secured the support of the business and civic community, as well as the area's three university and college presidents - and every elected official. Most importantly, the referendum passed overwhelmingly, winning broad public support and bringing millions of dollars of badly needed funds into Leon County's schools.
