The one-half cent sales tax pays for the construction of new schools, as well as renovations and additions to existing schools.

The current half-cent sales tax was passed a decade ago and expires at the end of 2027. Yesterday's referendum goes into effect on Jan

Columbia County voters on Tuesday approved continuing a 1% sales tax that goes toward schools. The county has had the Education Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax, or ESPLOST, for 25 years. Passage will continue the tax,