Jim Cole Talks About T-SPLOST

State. Rep Susan Holmes, State Sen. Johnny Grant, and Department of Transportation board member Jim Cole met with interested persons at a “Meet and Greet” that was held at Deptula’s Restaurant Monday evening

The meeting was organized by the Jasper County Republican Party, and served as its monthly meeting. Jasper County Republican Committee Chairman Karan Bumann welcomed everyone and introduced herself and other members of the committee. Bruce Henry is first vice-chair. David Dyer is secretary/treasurer.

The senator and representative gave an update of the past session before turning the meeting over to Jim Cole to explain the special sales tax vote that will be held next August to fund transportation projects in the state.
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He explained that the state has been divided into 11 regions which mirror the Regional Development Commission regions, and there are “round table” discussions going on now about proposed projects. The county commission chairman and at least one mayor from cities in each county sit on the round table.

Each county submitted projects for consideration. The anticipated revenue is determined for each area, and for Jasper County it is close to $1 million. Voters will be asked to approve a one penny sales tax, that will last 10 years, to fund transportation projects which may or may not have a direct impact on them.

For example, Jasper County is in the region with Athens/Clarke County, and several others. However, in the greater scheme of things it is determined these are the most important projects to continue moving Georgia forward. The actual projects to be on the ballot are scheduled to be released in October.

There are many incentives to pass the tax, but of course there will be many reasons not to.
Mr. Cole said that this will likely be the future way to fund transportation projects. He said less federal dollars are coming down, and gas taxes are decreasing as cars become more fuel efficient and alternative fuels are being used.