On the Swain County ballot in November, the last item on the second page says “Swain County Local Sales and Use Tax – Local sales and use tax at the rate of one-quarter (.25%) in addition to all other State and local sales and use taxes.” You can vote for or against.
The wording is very confusing because it does not indicate that revenue generated from this tax, estimated to be $300,000 annually, would be restricted to capital construction projects for Swain County Public Schools. The tax does not apply to unprepared food (groceries) or gasoline purchases. The additional tax increase would be twenty-five cents ($.25) for every $100 purchase and you are already paying this on purchases in other surrounding counties.
Approximately 25 percent of Swain High School students are American Indian and 43 percent of students at East Elementary are enrolled members of the EBCI. Swain County Schools anticipate that the first year allocation would be used for a rear access road for Swain High to separate student and parent parking from buses. Funding would also be used to add classroom and re-design the front entrance, forcing entry point for safety, including a buzz-in entry door. Both of these projects are to ensure the safety of students, parents and staff.
Please consider voting for the proposed sales and use tax to provide our children with the safest and best environment for educating them.
Brenda Donargo
Whittier
