Residents vary about arena

Ron Cross was a little surprised by the show of hands: More than a dozen of the 50 or so people at Monday night's town hall meeting said they would support Columbia County's helping to pay for a new arena in Augusta.

"Well, that's more than I thought," said the chairman of the Columbia County Commission.

Public opinion was across the spectrum during arena discussions at Monday night's Columbia County Chamber of Commerce-sponsored forum at Savannah Rapids Pavilion. Some, such as Donna Evans, were staunchly against the idea.

"Why are some of you out there shaking your heads?" Mr. Cross asked the crowd.

"You say Richmond County - No!" Mrs. Evans said.

Others, such as James Hudgins, urged residents to keep a more open mind. After all, he said, Columbia County's viability is somewhat dependent on Augusta.

"Shaking our heads and turning our backs on this proposal may be short-sighted," he said.

Mr. Cross said he's concerned that attaching several millions dollars in arena funding to the county's next special purpose local option sales tax referendum could spell doom for the entire sales tax package.

In addition, he and other commissioners said, there are more pressing needs for tax money - paving dirt roads, road safety and other infrastructure improvements.

"When we talk about spending $15 million on a project, it just sends chills up my back," said Commissioner Mark Devoti.

It was another issue that concerned Virginia Zachert.

"If we lose Fort Gordon, and the time is coming close on that," she said, "no one is going to protect Fort Gordon except us. We better get on that."

Mr. Cross said the post also has become a focal point. The CSRA Alliance was recently formed to work closely with Thom Tuckey and the chamber to fight for the fort.

"There's a lot of work to be done," he said.

Reach Jason B. Smith at (706) 868-1222, ext. 115 or jbsmith@augustachronicle.com.