SPLOST - Everyone pays

When local voters cast their ballots in the Presidential Preference Election of Feb 5, they will also vote on whether or not the present one-cent Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) should be renewed for an additional six years. The present SPLOST will expire in March. This is not an additional tax or a tax increase, just the continuation of the present tax.

The Jenkins County Commissioners and Millen City Council are seeking renewal of the tax, which could generate approximately $6,000,000 over the six-year period, to fund needed capital improvements and purchases. The county will receive 65 percent of the revenues, and the city will get 35 percent.

Included in proposed county projects is $1,000,000 for construction of a new jail, $800,000 for roads and bridges repairs and $528,000 for improvements at the two newest industrial parks. The City plans to use $420,000 for a new water tank, $420,000 for water/sewer improvements and $435,000 for its streets and roads.

Without the SPLOST, both governments have indicated that a sizeable property tax increase would be necessary. It is quite simple - renewal of the SPLOST means that "everyone pays." If it is not approved, property owners will foot the bill alone.