Economy could derail tax proposals on county ballot

Evans resident Sarah Ahmed believes infrastructure improvements are a necessity for a higher quality of life in Columbia County.

But in the midst of a souring economy, she's not so sure now is the time for the county to be asking residents to pay more property tax for the construction of an aquatics and tennis center. According to county officials, the owner of a $100,000 home would pay an extra $20 in annual taxes until the bond is repaid.

"With the economy the way it is, I think it would be a better project in a couple of years," Ms. Ahmed said. "I think I could support it then."

On the Nov. 4 General Election ballot, Columbia County officials also are presenting to voters a proposed $180 million sales tax to pay for such improvements as paving roads, extending water lines, stormwater enhancements, a Justice Center parking garage, park expansions, an expansion of the Columbia County Detention Center and other public safety projects.

County officials hope residents don't shoot both proposals down because of conditions that officials say could improve.

"When it (the economy) does come back around, people will say, 'Why are we behind on our infrastructure and why don't we have the type of amenities we could have had?'" said Columbia County Assistant Administrator Scott Johnson, who believes the economy is cyclical and worries some voters might regret voting against the county's referendums. "The answer will be, 'Well, when everybody thought the sky was falling everybody rat-holed their money in Mason jars and buried them in their front yards.'"

The first 1-cent sales tax ever proposed by county officials in 1988 failed at the polls, Columbia County Board of Elections Executive Director Deborah Marshall said. However, four other sales tax referendums put to a vote since then have passed. During the past decade, voters have passed all bond referendums, she said.

Mr. Johnson said he believes the aquatics center could actually help the area's economy as a possible regional attraction capable of generating tourism for the county.

"The federal government is looking for ways to stimulate the economy," he said. "We're looking for ways to stimulate the economy in Columbia County."

But depending on who you ask, support for the referendums is mixed.

Brad Wilson, of Evans, said he intended to vote against both bond referendums.

"As a Libertarian, I don't think it's the government's function to pay for these kinds of projects with taxpayer money," he said.

On the other hand, Gathrell Johnson, of Martinez, believes infrastructure improvements and projects like an aquatics center add value to the community and is considering voting for both referendums.

"For someone who is broke, $20 can be a lot of money, but, at the end of a long day, it's just $20," he said. "Personally, I think the economy runs in cycles and things will improve. Everyone has to pay their fair share and these kinds of projects can be beneficial to everyone."

County officials have held a series of public meetings to discuss the sales tax and aquatic center referendums. One such presentation will be held 6 p.m. Tuesday during a county commission meeting at the Evans Government Complex and a final public meeting will be held 6 p.m. Oct. 28 in the Jabez Sanford Hardin Performing Arts Center at the Columbia County Library on Evans Town Center Boulevard.

During a recent public meeting, Scott Johnson said more than 90 percent of about 40 people at the meeting supported an aquatics center.

Reach Donnie Fetter at (706) 868-1222, ext. 115, or donnie.fetter@augustachronicle.com.