The last item on the ballot for Escambia County voters is a CONTINUATION OF ONE-HALF CENT SALES SURTAX TO FINANCE EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES FOR 10 YEARS.  Since 1997, the Escambia County School Board has levied a one-half cent sales surtax to fund new construction, renovations and additions to existing schools, land acquisition and make improvements to schools. The voters have approved each 10-year renewal because of the belief sales taxes are a better funding source than property taxes.  Keith Wasdin, who heads facilities planning for the school district, discusses the need for the tax to be renewed.