Hearings Are Held on Proposed Sales Tax
The Jasper County Commission has had two public hearings on its proposed Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST), and a third is scheduled for today, July 27, at 6 p.m. in the commissioner’s meeting room in the Courthouse.
The commission proposes to borrow some $8.2 million for several projects, then the SPLOST proceeds would be used to pay it back. The SPLOST is only anticipated to bring in $3.9 million for the county over six years, so the indebtedness would remain. At that time, the commission may ask voters to approve another SPLOST to pay off the debt, or taxes from Shire Inc. should be coming into the county by then, and those funds could be used to repay the loan.
Projects which would be funded by the SPLOST and the loan include $235,000 for a new tandem dump truck for public works, and $3,440,132 for paving. The paving money includes $1,190,132 which will be the county’s match for Local Maintenance and Improvement Grant (LMIG) funding for roads and $2,250,000 for in-house paving.
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Another $2,250,000 will go toward expansion and renovation of the Sheriff’s Office. Some $200,000 is earmarked for a new fire tanker, and another $60,000 would purchase two sets of jaws. In addition, $30,000 is allocated to add office and living quarters to fire/rescue stations 6 and 7. Some $2 million is earmarked for a gym at the recreation complex, and $65,000 is earmarked for repeaters for the 911 center. Those would help with emergency officials’ radio reception throughout the county.
The commissioners plan to hear from a financial advisor next week who will give them advice on the best way to borrow and repay the money. They have been looking at a 15 year note, but want an expert opinion.
At last Thursday’s public hearing, which was also attended by several city of Monticello officials, only two people spoke on the proposed SPLOST. Charles Forsythe said he was confused, and wanted to know if voters are voting for the $3.9 million or $7.5 million. (Originally, commissioners were trying to get the requests, which initially totaled more than $10 million, down to $7.5 million rather than the $8.2 million.)
He went on to say he had already paid for two gyms, and he realizes the recreation department wants one, but he doesn’t think it needs one. He went on to say he fears that the money from Stanton Springs, which includes the Shire tax money, will never get here.
Mary Patrick questioned the large addition to the sheriff’s office, and questioned where the approximate cost of the gym came from. She also asked why the school facilities could not be used for recreation. She questioned borrowing the money, and said, “How many roads would the interest pave?”
Ms. Patrick then addressed the city officials, and asked if they thought the county plan would help or hurt the chances of SPLOST passing, and therefore each city getting its share as well.
The sales tax only brings in about $60,000 a month Commission Chairman Carl Pennamon commented you can’t pave roads with $60,000 a month.
At Monday’s hearing, Mary Patrick said she is concerned about the debt, and asked if the resolution on the ballot would show the county plans to borrow $8.2 million.
The commissioners had discussed having a work session today, July 27, and Commissioner Bruce Henry said he wanted to be at the Planning & Zoning hearing at 7 p.m. that day.
Before adjourning the meeting, Mr. Pennamon said he had been talking to various people about forming a committee to encourage the voters to approve the SPLOST. The commission will have to finalize projects, and the wording for the ballot before the end of August.
