Commission Discusses SPLOST Projects
The Jasper County Commissioners continue to try to whittle down the funds being requested for projects throughout the county, as they want to reach a number they are comfortable with. The commissioners are discussing borrowing $7.5 million to be paid back with proceeds from a Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) they hope voters will pass in November.
The current SPLOST expires in March, 2018, and to keep collecting the money without a break, the new one needs to be approved by voters in November. When commissioners began discussing the SPLOST projects, the “wish list” was more than $10 million, and did not include funding for a gymnasium for the recreation department.
On Monday, they narrowed the list to $8.2 million, and they agree they do not want to borrow more than $7.5 million. It would take nearly two full SPLOST cycles to pay back $7.5 million as the county’s portion of a six-year SPLOST is about $3.9 million.
However, the county is anticipating receiving money from the Shire project by the Four County Development Authority before the six years is up. Currently, the commissioners are talking about borrowing $7.5 million, and paying it back with SPLOST. When the SPLOST cycle is ending in six years, they can determine whether to try to continue with another SPLOST or use other funds to pay off the loan.
Three projects total the $7.5 million. They are $2,500,000 for commercial paving, $2,500,000 for the sheriff’s office, and $2,500,000 for a new gymnasium at the recreation department. On Monday, commissioners agreed to take $250,000 from the commercial paving, and asked the sheriff if he thought that his project could be done for $2,250,000. The sheriff responded he didn’t know, but indicated he would work with what the commissioners allot for him. There was talk of building the expansion, then finishing the inside as money becomes available. The original estimate the sheriff received was for just over $3 million.
The commissioners will hear from a grant writer July 17 about what could be built in the way of a gymnasium for $2.3 million. Monday, they cut $500,000 from the recreation needs, recognizing there is $300,000 left in the 2012 SPLOST to go towards the building.
Another project the county is considering funding with this loan is $1,190,132 for the county’s share of Local Maintenance and Improvement Grants (LMIG) over the six years. Also, a new tandem dump truck for public works (PWD), and $200,000 for a fire tanker. Also, the funds would buy two sets of Jaws extrication equipment and there would be $30,000 for build out in two fire stations for living quarters. Also in the mix is money for three repeaters and a new phone system for the 911 system.
Some projects that were originally requested will be done, but out of other funds. For example, the Senior Center and 4-H will each get new vans out of the 2017 contingency budget. Also, a new shop at the PWD will be financed from the 2012 SPLOST. Also removed was computer software and server for the tax commissioner and tax assessors. They will be funded elsewhere.
Other items that were on the “wish list” that are not being funded under the current discussion are $300,000 for electronic medical records for the hospital. None of the funding agencies felt that could be included in the loan, indicating the hospital should get its own loan.
Also the health department had requested some $800,000 for a new or renovated facility, and that was removed. Also, much was removed from the PWD list and from the fire department list. In addition, two new ambulances were in the mix, but they were cut. One has already been ordered, and the other will be purchased in two years when the current lease/purchase is paid off. Numerous items were also removed from the Senior Center requests.
The commissioners are still in the discussion phase, with no decision being final. They recognize the needs far exceed the available revenue, and are trying to prioritize. The commissioners will hear from the grant writer on July 17 at a called meeting, then further discuss the project list. They still need to cut some $700,000 to reach the $7.5 million mark.
