VALDOSTA —
At the South Georgia Medical Center, under the shadow of the newly built parking garage and a crane hard at work, seated before a host of fire trucks and emergency vehicles purchased with funds from the Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax, the SPLOST VII Citizens’ Steering Committee announced its full support Friday for the seventh cycle of the tax.
The major theme of the event was a firm reminder that SPLOST VII is not a new tax, just a continuation of a penny sales tax that has been in place since 1987.
A tax that has allowed the purchase of vital city infrastructure, emergency vehicles, municipal buildings, city parks and other community amenities.
The tax will appear on the Nov. 6 ballot, and the steering committee strongly encouraged voters to support the referendum. SPLOST taxes do not impact homeowners only; SPLOST gathers funds for one penny on the dollar at the point of sale for everyone who drives through town, resident or otherwise.
“It is the most amazing thing that I have seen, and I think it should be adopted in cities everywhere,” committee member Gail Green said. “We continue to attract large numbers of people here, and those people are bringing lots of people with them, and they’re spending lots of money.”
Valdosta City Manager Larry Hanson spoke about SPLOST history. The tax has funded a variety of amenities throughout the years, and has allowed the community to grow, he said.
“Since 1987, Lowndes County and all of our cities have benefited greatly from this tax,” Hanson said. “Most importantly, our citizens have benefited from this tax. Many of the projects that have been accomplished had to be done; the question was how best to pay for them — building roads, water and sewer facilities, parks, and a crime lab. Many other worthwhile projects have improved the services available to and the quality of life for the citizens of these communities.”
Joe Pritchard, Lowndes County manager, spoke on the future that SPLOST taxes promises for generations to come. To Pritchard, the tax is more than just dollars and cents; it’s the realization of a continued heritage of excellence.
“We’re wired in our DNA to desire to excel and realize excellence in others,” Pritchard said of every citizen. “We’ve been very fortunate that our leaders and citizens have chosen to use their talents, gifts, blessings, wealth, and opportunities to make this the best group of citizens and county we can possibly be.
“They have set an example of sacrifice and commitment for the improvement of all. They have passed the torch to us. We now face the challenge and choice of what we will be. What heritage will we leave for those that follow us, our next generation? What will be our answer?”
Pritchard also asked whether in the wake of economic difficulties if we will “agree to settle for less, to be satisfied with maintaining the status quo.”
Suzan Prince also took the stage, endorsing SPLOST as a private citizen and community leader.
“I personally benefit from SPLOST-funded projects each and every day,” she said. “As a voter, community volunteer and parent, I’ve taken a personal interest in SPLOST and projects it will fund in our community in the future.”
Some lingered at the event after the speeches. Valdosta Fire Chief J.D. Rice, who was seated in the audience during the presentation, enjoyed the speeches and also supports the tax, which allowed the purchase of new fire trucks and a ladder truck that allowed the construction of multiple-story buildings in town, including the Lowndes County Judicial and Administrative Complex and hotels.
“With a one-cent sales tax, we were not only able to replace our entire fleet of fire trucks, we were able to add to our fleet because of all the high-rise hotels over by the mall, an additional ladder truck, and built additional fire stations, so I’m an avid proponent of the sales tax continuation. We need it,” Rice said.
Dr. Ronnie Mathis delivered the invocation and former Valdosta City Schools Superintendent Sam Allen, a committee member, delivered the welcome and closing comments.
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