A proposal to use 1-cent sales tax money to build an aquatics center in Columbia County received a lukewarm reception from county commissioners at a work session Wednesday.
Discussing the results of a resident survey about proposed projects, commissioners weighed the merits of using the sales tax revenue for quality-of-life amenities or for more pressing needs.
"Do you use SPLOST (special purpose local-option sales tax) for basic necessities, or do you dream a little bit?" Commissioner Ron Thigpen asked.
County Administrator Steve Szablewski said proposed projects would total more than $400 million but the county likely will have only $180 million in available funds.
Chairman Ron Cross said he was undecided about building an aquatics center in Columbia County. However, he said, "If we decide to do anything with an aquatics center, it needs to be world-class, first-rate -- a destination for any and all who like aquatics."
Commissioner Diane Ford said that Columbia County is home to 1,200 miles of lake shoreline. In addition, she said, many county subdivisions have swimming pools and swim teams.
"It's a huge undertaking, not only the liability and the staff, but the upkeep," Ms. Ford said.
She also said all of the roads in her district are not paved and many residents still have septic tanks.
Commissioner Tommy Mercer said the county had $30 million in stormwater needs.
Mr. Cross said voters could be asked in a ballot question whether they would be willing to finance the construction of an aquatics center, estimated at a cost of $8 million, with a general obligation bond.
The commissioners also showed little enthusiasm for a proposal to use sales tax money for a clubhouse at Bartram Trail Golf Club.
Mr. Thigpen said the project was "too narrowly focused," especially because the county will not take ownership of the facility for 22 years.
The proposed projects will be put to voters on the Nov. 4 ballot, and the next round of the tax would be collected from 2011 to 2016.
The board will vote on ballot language for renewal of the 1-cent sales tax at its Aug. 5 meeting.
Reach Betsy Gilliland at (706) 868-1222, ext. 113, or betsy.gilliland@augustachronicle.com.
FUNDS ALLOCATION
The Columbia County Board of Commissioners is considering a number of projects, including proposals from residents, for 1-cent sales tax money that would be collected from 2011 to 2016.
$34 MILLION: Projects such as a justice center expansion, administration building for county officials, detention facility expansion, county health department facility
$22,655,000: Debt retirement for justice center and detention facility
$123,345,000: Balance available for unincorporated and municipal projects
$180 MILLION: Total projected funding
Source: Columbia County Board of Commissioners
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