UCBOE Gets Schooled on ESPLOST Renewal Process

Blairsville, GA – The Union County Board of Education (UCBOE) convened for their October Workshop and Meeting at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 24, at the UCBOE Building in Blairsville, Georgia. Union County Schools (UCS) Superintendent Dr. Fred Rayfield and all Board Members were present.

The sole Discussion Item on the Workshop Agenda was an Overview of the ESPLOST (Education Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax) Renewal Process. Gabe Agan and Todd Barnes, Associates with Raymond James (financial advisors), addressed the Board. Agan explained the renewal process bond issues, based on historical data, in terms of the estimated future financial position of UCS (please see video for the full presentation). Dr. Rayfield advised the Board to consider the possibility of a bond issue (incursion of debt) as an emergency measure, in light of the fact that UCS currently practices ‘Pay-As-You-Go’. He said he felt it would be wise to have the authorization language included in the referendum to be used strictly as an option. Agan said that putting a bond issue on the May 22, 2018 ballot, if it passes, does not obligate the Board to issue bonds. The Board indicated they would take this under advisement and thanked Agan for his presentation.

In other UCBOE news, Timothy Jennings, head of the Union County Extension 4-H in Blairsville, introduced senior members and staff from the UGA Extension Office. He then presented the Student 4-H Board. Elena Griggs, President of the 4-H Board, gave a presentation on what 4-H does in the community and a short description of after-school 4-H programs.

 

Dr. Rayfield presented Sheriff Mack Mason with the 2017 Partner in Education Award.

Dr. Rayfield recommended that the Board approve the June, July, and August 2017 Financial Reports. The reports were unanimously approved.

Following an Executive Session, the Board approved all new personnel recommendations.

With no further business to conduct, the Meeting adjourned.

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