ESPLOST I went into effect on January 1, 2007 after the citizens of Chatham County approved the 1 cent sales tax on September 19, 2006.  ESPLOST brought about facilities upgrades, new schools, and improvement to school technology.  The funds were used in two ways, the first included $67 million dollars used to retire existing bond debt over the five year period.  By using ESPLOST funds to pay this bond debt, property owners save the millage rate equivalent of that $67 Million dollars over the five year period.  Secondly, the remaining funds were used to build 7 new schools (2 New Sites and 5 Replacement Sites) and provide facility and technology upgrades throughout the district.

The sales tax rate in Chatham County was set at 7% effective January 1, 2007.

NOTABLE HIGHLIGHTS FROM ESPLOST I:

NEW SCHOOLS OPEN: Godley Station K-8, Pulaski Elementary, Butler Elementary

RENOVATIONS: Oatland Island Wildlife Center, Massie Heritage Center

NEW CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS BEGIN: Beach High School, Oglethorpe Charter School, New High School (Little Neck), Gadsden Elementary

For a full list of ESPLOST I projects, please click here.