As we approach the November election, the Chamber of Commerce is asking every Columbia County voter to consider what a YES vote on ESPLOST means for our community, our schools, and our future. ESPLOST—the one-cent sales tax dedicated to funding our schools—isn’t just about buildings, technology, and safety. Voting YES on ESPLOST is a vote for our students, our local economy, and our community’s future growth.
 
Here are five reasons a YES vote on ESPLOST is essential:
1. No New Taxes
This proposal continues the one-cent sales tax that has already supported our schools for years. By simply maintaining the existing tax, we can fund necessary upgrades without increasing anyone’s tax burden.
2. Modernized, Expanded Facilities
With ESPLOST, we can renovate and expand many of our schools, including Evans, Lakeside, Harlem, Greenbrier, and Grovetown High Schools, along with Grovetown Middle and Elementary. These improvements are vital as our county grows, allowing us to create more room and better learning environments for our students.
3. Enhanced Technology and Safety
ESPLOST will fund new technology and infrastructure to keep our students and teachers up-to-date and safe. In today’s world, investing in technology means preparing our students for future careers and a competitive workforce, while safety enhancements ensure that our schools remain a secure environment.
4. Addressing Needs Across All Schools
ESPLOST funds will be used throughout the district, addressing pressing needs in every school, from essential maintenance to purchasing new buses. Every school, teacher, and student in our county will benefit.
5. Long-Term Financial Health
By voting YES, we support the district’s ability to pay off existing bonds and continue much-needed improvements without additional financial strain. A stable funding source means continued financial health for our schools, ensuring they remain competitive and well-maintained.
But the Chamber’s support for ESPLOST goes beyond these essential benefits. By voting YES, we’re continuing our commitment to an outstanding public education system that does more than prepare students for graduation; it helps build our local workforce. Today’s students are tomorrow’s engineers, healthcare workers, and entrepreneurs. When we invest in education, we’re investing in the skills and knowledge our future workforce will need to thrive right here in Columbia County.
 
Supporting ESPLOST also has a significant impact on economic development. Businesses looking to relocate or expand in our area care about the quality of education because it directly impacts the quality of the workforce. By maintaining a highly rated school system, we not only support local students but attract new businesses that bring jobs, economic growth, and tax revenue to Columbia County.
A YES vote on ESPLOST is a vote for Columbia County’s future—one where our schools continue to be a point of pride and a foundation for economic opportunity. Early voting begins October 15, and Election Day is November 5. Let’s keep Columbia County moving forward by voting YES on ESPLOST.
 
Russell Lahodny
President & CEO
Columbia County Chamber of Commerce