Columbia County commissioners accepted a proposed master list of capital improvement projects for a 2011-15 sales tax referendum. Though the list likely will be pared down, it is estimated to cost more than $190 million.
WHAT'S NEXT
After public information sessions during the summer and a final draft, to be prepared by October, a referendum for the new sales tax likely will be presented to voters on the November general election ballot.
CONTACTS
Reach the Columbia County Commission's main office at (706) 868--3379. For a map of commissioners' districts, visit www. columbiacountyga.gov, click on the government heading, go to elected/appointed officials and select commissioners and commissioner district boundaries.
SOME PROPOSED PROJECTS
Project.....Estimated costs
Widen Gibbs Road.....$2 million
Widen Owens Road.....$2.1 million
15 miles of dirt road paving.....$10.9 million
Blanchard Woods Park phase 2 (includes seven soccer fields, some restrooms and parking).....$6.5 million
Wildwood Park improvements.....$2 million
Evans Town Center Park.....$8 million
Savannah Rapids Pavilion renovations.....$1.5 million
Reed Creek Park phase 3 (includes an extension of the boardwalk, a bridge and outdoor classrooms).....$800,000
Bartram Trail Golf Course clubhouse.....$1.6 million
Additions to justice center.....$13.4 million
Acquisition of Water Works property.....$2.5 million
Georgia State Patrol post.....$2 million
Sheriff's office administration building and renovations.....$3.5 million
Detention center addition.....$6 million
Driver's training course.....$3.5 million
New animal control facility.....$2.3 million
Fire vehicle and equipment replacement.....$2.8 million
Economic development.....$2 million
Sources: Columbia County officials and government documents
-- Donnie Fetter, Columbia County Bureau Chief
Comments
A STATE patrol post for two million?? I thought I had already paid state taxes. Locating the post on the edge of Columbia County by the interstate does absolutely nothing for law enforcement in Columbia County. By policy there is minimal patrolling in counties that have large police forces such as Columbia and Richmond Counties. The officers will be leaving the post headquarters and heading west to the rural counties in the district. A trememdous waste of Columbia County taxpayers money.
I am glad to see that a new animal control facility will be built. They are in desperate need of a new place to house the numerous animals kept there. If you're looking for a pet, please take the time to look there first.
Where is the money to get rid of all the temporary wooden classrooms at the schools? I would say this is far more important than some of the frills they are going to spend money on.
Geez, I love the power of the pen, or keyboard in this case. Some questionable decisions pointed out here.
As far as the State Patrol post, didn't I read something on here awhile back that the state of Georgia would be kicking in money for it every year, and that in a few years it would be paid back? I'm not sure about this, but I thought it was something along those lines. I know I was rather surprised about it when I read it. I know I do remember reading that we'd be seeing more of the state patrol here in this area because of the new station.
Just remember to vote against it in November. Our taxes are way too high as it is.
JustMyOpinion, a certain Columbia County official suggested that the State Patrol Post could be paid for out of increased fines. The State Patrol was quoted in the Chroicle as saying they do not patrol in Columbia County that much. They said their focus is on rural counties in the district. Someone ain't telling the truth and I think I know who it is.
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