Effingham board approves resolution to put 1% county sales tax for school facilities and mental-health support on Nov. ballot

The Effingham CUSD 40 Board of Education voted to direct the regional superintendent to certify a countywide 1% retailer's and service occupation tax question for placement on the Nov. 2024 ballot. If approved by voters, the tax would be used exclusively for school facility purposes, school resource officers and mental-health professionals.

Superintendent (name not provided) said the district will run public engagement and FAQs between now and November to answer community questions and clarify how allocations would be handled. "We're devoting every day to being able to answer all the questions," the superintendent said, outlining plans for engagement sessions and materials for residents.

Board members asked for further clarity about specific allocations and eligibility. During discussion a participant noted that the ballot language must specify the permitted uses so funds can be directed to facilities, safety and mental-health positions; administrators confirmed money for these uses could not be repurposed without returning to voters. Board members also raised concerns that approving a county tax could be perceived as adding to local property-tax burdens and discussed options to offset taxpayer impacts.

The board discussed next steps for public outreach, including a proposed FAQ package and community engagement sessions beginning as soon as the following week. The motion to approve the resolution and forward it to the regional superintendent for certification passed by voice and roll call vote.

The resolution directs the regional superintendent to certify the question to the county clerk for the November 2024 general election; the board did not set ballot language beyond the permitted uses described in the presentation. The district said it will provide additional details and public sessions in coming weeks.