Half-Cent Sales Tax
Planning and Business Services
Message from the Superintendent
Message from the Superintendent
Volusia County Community:
I want to take a moment to thank you for supporting our county's Half-Cent Sales Tax Initiative, which went into effect in 2017. This initiative is an important example of how our community can come together to say unequivocally that public education matters.
Although great teachers and involved parent and guardians are the core to a student's success, the learning environment plays a vital role. Updating our schools improves every student's chances for success, and these schools serve as centerpieces for our communities.
Providing equitable access to technology means we can help create life-long learners who are prepared for an ever-changing global society.
Some of the projects using these funds include security infrastructures to keep students and staff safe.
There have been numerous security technologies implemented, such as upgraded surveillance systems, front entry doorbell cameras, access control systems and systems to enhance emergency communications within the schools. To further ensure the safety of our students, specific details on these projects are not shared with the public.
This Half-Cent Sales Tax Initiative will help ensure our children's success as students today, and as productive citizens tomorrow.
Thank you for your support.
Dr. Carmen J. Balgobin
Superintendent
Project Oversight Committee
- Project Oversight Committee Members
- Project Oversight Committee Annual Reports
- Meeting Packets for Project Oversight Committee
Project Oversight Committee Members
- Half-cent Sales Tax Committee Members:
-
Committee Member Name Phone Number Email Address Mailing Address Mitch Aten
IT Project Manager SharePoint Systems Analyst
Embry Riddle Aeronautical University(386) 717-0531 mitchaten@hotmail.com 2996 N Shell Rd.
Deland FL, 32720Sandy Burke Bishop
Florida Real Estate Broker
Top Shelf Properties, LLC(386) 846-2233 sandybishop99@gmail.com Daytona Beach
FL 32114Jim Mather
President
Paytas Homes(386) 756-0439
(386) 566-3480
(386) 304-3308 (Fax)jmather@paytashomes.com P.O. Box 290490
Port Orange, FL 32129Jacob Lammers, CPA
Charles L. Belote & Associates PA(386)-428-9957 jlammers@nsbcpa.com M. Jayson Meyer
Founder & CEO(386) 478-7820
Ext. 6000Jayson@SynergyBilling.com 1200 Center Avenue
Holly Hill, FL 32117Diane Smith (386) 316-9588 dianejsmith2014@gmail.com Dr. Rachel Hazel
Deputy Superintendent(387) 734-7190
Ext. 20696rbhazel@volusia.k12.fl.us 200 N. Clara Avenue
DeLand, FL 32720Ad Hoc Members: Member Name Phone Number Email Address Mailing Address Dr. Earl Johnson
Chief Operating Officer(387) 947-8787
Ext. 50784ejohnso2@volusia.k12.fl.us 3750 Olson Drive
Daytona Beach, FL 32124Ron Young
Planning & Construction Director(386) 947-8787
Ext. 71058reyoung@volusia.k12.fl.us 3750 Olson Drive
Daytona Beach, FL 32124Dolly Viderman
Business Operations Analyst(387) 734-7190
Ext. 20385dviderma@volusia.k12.fl.us 200 N. Clara Avenue
DeLand, FL 32720
-
- Please note: Meetings are held on the Fourth Thursday of each month.
Project Oversight Committee Annual Reports
- Fiscal Year 2002
- Fiscal Year 2003
- Fiscal Year 2004
- Fiscal Year 2005
- Fiscal Year 2006
- Fiscal Year 2007
- Fiscal Year 2008
- Fiscal Year 2009
- Fiscal Year 2010
- Fiscal Year 2011
- Fiscal Year 2012
- Fiscal Year 2017
- Fiscal Year 2018
- Fiscal Year 2019
- Fiscal Year 2020
- Fiscal Year 2021
- Fiscal Year 2022
- Fiscal Year 2023
Meeting Packets for Project Oversight Committee
Resolution
Half-Cent Sales Tax at Work
Volusia Schools Half-Cent Sales Tax at Work
- General Information
- Half-Cent Sales Tax Project News
- Special Media Coverage
- Frequently Asked Questions
General Information
The half-cent sales tax extension was approved on August 26, 2014 by Volusia County voters, and went into effect January 1, 2017.
The extension will run for 15 years, from 2017 to 2031, and will be focused on capital improvements. Those improvements include security enhancements, technology upgrades, replacement schools, and significant school renovations. Every school and every student will benefit.
- Ortona Elementary - Osceola Elementary Consolidation (March 2, 2020)
- Community Meetings (March 9 and 11, 2020)
- Presentation to the School Advisory Council
Half-Cent Sales Tax Project News
Special Media Coverage
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the half-cent sales tax?
The half-cent sales tax is a half penny tax on the sale of some goods and services across the county. The first half-penny sales tax was approved by Volusia County voters on October 9, 2001. The sales tax was extended for another 15 years on August 26, 2014, from January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2031.
Who will pay the half-cent sales tax?
Everyone who buys taxable goods in Volusia County, including tourists and part-time residents, will pay the half-cent sales tax. Taxpayers will continue to pay the same half-cent sales tax; it is not new nor is it an increase.
How much will tourists pay?
Tourists pay the half cent! Approximately 35-40% of the half cent money comes from our tourism industry.
How much revenue is the current extension expected to raise for the district?
When the School Board approved the 2017-2031 Project List on January 28, 2014, the extension was estimated to raise approximately $480 million.
How will the sales tax be spent?
The half-cent voter-approved sales tax can only be used for capital expenses (facilities, technology). It is not allowed to be used for general operating expenses such as salaries, and books (Section 212.055(6), Florida Statutes).
Can money raised from the half-cent sales tax be transferred to operating to pay teacher salaries?
No. State law requires that money raised by the half-cent sales tax can only be used for capital projects (Section 212.055(6), Florida Statutes).
What is in the school district’s plan?
The half-cent sales tax will be used for security, technology and facility issues—all necessary to ensure our students’ success, and to provide a safe and secure learning environment with 21st century tools.
What are the projects?
Every school and every student will benefit. There is a specific project list that was recommended by a citizens’ committee reflecting unmet and unfunded needs associated with security, technology, and facilities. To see the complete list of capital projects in the 2017-2031 Project List, click here.
What has the district already accomplished with the half-cent sales tax?
In the first 15 years of the Volusia County half-cent sales tax, the school district completed 18 new schools, and 14 school renovations. To see the full list of completed projects, click here.
How do I know the money will be spent as stated?
As with the 2001 half-cent sales tax, a citizens’ project oversight committee was established to monitor the school district’s work. The committee is charged with the responsibility of reporting on the implementation, progress, status and completion of the sales tax construction projects within 90 days of the end of each fiscal year.