Dalton, GA ā Dalton Public Schools has released its updated expenditures for the Education Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (ESPLOST), detailing progress on capital projects funded by the community-approved one-percent sales tax. The report outlines expenditures for the 2023 ESPLOST VI and 2018 ESPLOST V programs for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025.
The ESPLOST program allows the district to address facility improvements, safety enhancements, technology upgrades, transportation needs, and the construction or renovation of school buildings without increasing property tax rates. As outlined in Georgia law, all projects and expenditures must align with the referendum approved by voters.
2023 ESPLOST VI Progress
For ESPLOST VI, voters approved projects including renovations, repairs, and equipment upgrades across district schools; the acquisition of land; the purchase of technology, safety equipment, and school buses; and the construction of new educational or athletic facilities.
Original Estimated Cost: $47,239,000
Current Actual Cost: $45,522,661
Expended in Current Year: $3,837,807
Expended in Previous Years: $3,382,220
Project Status: In Progress
Additionally, ESPLOST VI continues to support payments on the City of Daltonās General Obligation Bonds (Series 2018).
Authorized Amount for Bond Payments: $4,700,000
Current Actual Cost: $4,700,000
Expended in Current Year: $895,000
Expended in Previous Years: $855,000
Project Status: In Progress
2018 ESPLOST V Summary
ESPLOST V, approved by voters in 2018, funded numerous facility improvements across Brookwood School, City Park School, Roan School, and Dalton High School, as well as technology, safety, and equipment acquisitions.
Original Estimated Cost: $36,917,000
Current Actual Cost: $36,930,807
Expended in Current Year: $104,905
Expended in Previous Years: $36,825,902
Project Status: Completed
A separate technology and equipment package under ESPLOST V totaled:
Current Actual Cost: $6,198,058
Project Status: Completed
Across all components, ESPLOST V reflects:
Current Actual Cost: $43,128,864
Total Expenditures to Date: $43,023,960
Commitment to Transparency
Dalton Public Schools remains committed to providing transparent, accessible reporting on ESPLOST revenues and expenditures. All ESPLOST funds are restricted for capital purposes and cannot be used for salaries or operational expenses. The district publishes annual financial updates to inform the community of progress as projects advance or reach completion.
View the ESPLOST expenditures HERE.
The advertisement above is scheduled to appear in the November 26 edition of the Dalton Daily Citizen newspaper.
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