March SPLOST referendum approved

Commissioners voted to move forward with a call for a called SPLOST referendum on March 15 at their Wednesday, Dec. 8, meeting.’I have drafted a resolution based on a motion to move forward with a proposed SPLOST for improvements to the courthouse, streets and bridges,’ said county attorney Rob Morton. ‘A 1% sales tax not to exceed five years will raise an estimated $5 million.’Morton reminded commissioners notices have to be sent out prior to Dec. 12 to hold the special election and they had to make a decision immediately. Commissioners also approved an option for citizens to vote on which would authorize a general obligation debt of no more than $2.4 million to allow the courthouse project to begin prior to revenue being collected.’If approved, the general obligation debt would be incurred as of August 2011 with a first payment beginning Sept. 15 to make sure the money is coming in,’ Morton said.