The Putnam County Commission’s decision to use a percentage of sales tax revenue to fund schools a welcome revenue boost, according to School Board Member Kerry Ledbetter.
The new county budget passed last week includes the change to a formula of 50 percent of sales tax revenue. Ledbetter said the change back will not only benefit the school system, but give an extra incentive for the county to keep growing.
“Now that [the Commissioners] changed it back to the percentage, as we grow, it will just ensure that we continue to increase funds going to the public school system,” Ledbetter said. “And it’s just better for everyone all around.”
Ledbetter said the change went a long way in helping close the school system’s budget gap. When the budget was first read in May, the gap was some $5.8 millon. Ledbetter said the change will cut the gap to some $2 million, which Ledbetter said will be covered by fund balance.
Early in the budget process, the School Board met with Commissioners about the new budget. A few weeks later, Director of Schools Corby King presented the change, which the Commissioners decided to adopt.
Ledbetter said the partnership between the schools and the county is paramount to tackling the budget each year.
“It’s very important for the Commission and the Schools to work together,” Ledbetter said. “And we’re just thankful for that great relationship.”