In a recent interview with Dr. Barry Carroll, superintendent of the Limestone County Schools, he provided the following answers to questions posed to him regarding the 1-cent sales tax vote that will take place Aug. 14.

Q: What options do citizens have to generate more money for schools?

A: There are basically two options for increasing revenue for schools. One is through property taxes and the other is a sales tax.

Q: Why did the school board decide to ask for a sales-tax increase instead of a property-tax increase?

A: About a year ago, the citizens of Alabama were asked to vote on a property tax increase in order to bring all school systems in the state up to the 10-mil equivalent. For the Limestone County and Athens City Schools that was a 1.5 mil increase. Although the measure was approved statewide, more voters in Limestone County voted against the increase than for the increase, therefore, we decided a 1-cent sales tax would be our best option. In addition, everyone pays sales tax, including the tourists who get off the interstate in Limestone County. Also, with a property-tax increase, only a small percentage of people (property owners) actually pay the increase.

Q: How much would a 1-cent sales tax increase generate for Limestone County Schools?

A: Projections indicate the sales tax would generate approximately $5 to $6 million per year for the children in Limestone County Schools.

Q: The plan calls for $50 million in improvements. If the tax increase is approved, would the schools borrow the full $50 million now and then pay it back with the $5 to $6 million it receives each year from the sales tax increase?

A: The funds would be borrowed as approved.  We would have to work with the bond attorneys and lenders to determine the amounts to be borrowed.  The entire amount of revenue collected will be utilized for debt service on the bonds.

Q: How will the money be dispersed between Athens City Schools and Limestone County Schools?

A: The funds will be distributed based on a per-pupil basis. Funds are allocated on the percentage of students attending each school system. The Average Daily Membership (ADM) is determined annually and allocations are adjusted to reflect enrollment percentages. Currently, the Athens City Schools serve approximately 25 percent of the public school student population in Limestone County and the Limestone County Schools serve approximately 75 percent of the students in Limestone County. The funds are allocated accordingly.

Q: How much of the revenue generated by a 1-cent sales tax would go to personnel, salaries and benefits?

A: None, not one penny. Every penny collected for the Limestone County Schools would be used for new schools and facility improvements.

Q: You receive a yearly salary of $129,533, plus a vehicle. County principals receive $89,700 per year on average. Athens High school principal earns 98,000 a year. County head coaches receive $56,900 per year on average. Athens High’s head coach earns $75,000. What do you say to residents who believe school officials are paid too well, so they are reluctant to vote for the 1-cent sales tax increase?

A: Again, the 1-cent sales tax is for the construction and renovation of facilities, not salaries.