Low Turnout So Far at Franklin County SPLOST Town Hall Meetings

Another set of town hall meetings are scheduled for today for Franklin County voters on the upcoming SPLOST referendum.

Today, County Manager Beth Thomas will present the proposed special purpose local option sales tax plan to voters in the Lavonia area.

Two sessions are planned, one at 11a and another at 6p at the Lavonia Train Depot.

The first two sessions were held Tuesday evening at the Carnesville Community Center, but Thomas said turnout was light.

Thomas says she’s hoping more people will come out today.

“The town hall meeting begins with a brief presentation for informational purposes only,” Thomas said. “The turnout has been minimal. I’d like to see more people there. Whtever way the voters vote, the important thing that people go to the polls and vote and that they have this information.”

In her presentation, she calls, Penny Power, Thomas outlines the kinds of projects this next penny sales tax will pay for.

At the top of the list are a couple of larger road projects.

“We will be expanding Turkey Creek Road, widening it two feet on either side and repaving it. In addition we will be widening Tugaloo State Park Road and repaving that, which is a good project to promote tourism,” Thomas said.

Other projects included in the next SPLOST are the continued expansion of the County’s water and sewer lines as well as the installation of the sewer line along I-85.

Thomas said plans are also in the works to upgrade the County’s e911 system and replace and upgrade law enforcement and fire vehicles and equipment.

The County hopes to raise some $19 million dollars over the next six years.

Thomas pointed out the SPLOST is a fair way to garner revenue for the County without having to raise property taxes.

“Over 50% of sales tax revenue comes from the gas, food, and accommodation sectors. All three are used by non-Franklin County residents as well those who live in the County,” Thomas explained. “SPLOST money is generated by anybody who spends money in our County. So that money is used for Franklin County’s growth without it all coming from the backs Franklin County property owners.”

One more session is scheduled this week after today’s two in Lavonia.

On Friday, one session will be conducted at the Royston Public Library at 11a.

Two more town hall meetings take place next week – on Monday, October 26 at the Franklin Springs City Hall at 7p and a final session will be held Thursday October 29 at Canon City Hall at 7p.