To help deal with school budget cuts, B&N Business and Accounting Services of Fulton is offering a way for new tax clients to help band and music programs at local schools.
Deby Fitzpatrick, owner of B&N Business Services, says school classes not mandated by the state for graduation are often hit first. The school's music department may be one of the first departments to sustain budget cuts.
Fitzpatrick said she wants to help the marching band and music departments in Callaway and Monroe counties. B&N has offices at 113 West 5th St. in Fulton and also at Paris in Monroe County.
Any new B&N tax client who agrees to donate $20 to help fund a school music department will have their B&N tax bill reduced by $20.
A new client may donate cash through B&N or donate a no-longer-needed musical instrument to schools, providing the instrument passes an inspection by a local pawn shop.
"Music has always been one of my passions," Fitzpatrick said. "There just isn't anything as awesome as live music. It could be a band marching down the street, a choir at Christmas, a brass band or a jazz ensemble."