Mayors meet to discuss proposed SPLOST

Published 1:02 pm Friday, September 1, 2017

THOMASVILLE — Another step was taken Thursday night to make a November special purpose local option sales tax (SPLOST) referendum a reality.

Thomasville’s mayor and those from Boston, Coolidge, Meigs and Pavo, along with Thomas County Commission Chairman Ken Hickey, met in commission chambers at the historic Thomas County Courthouse.

Hickey said disbursement of the projected $42 million that would be generated by the proposed six-year tax should remain on a pro-rata basis so smaller towns each could receive a larger share of the money.

Coolidge Mayor Diane Causey asked if the SPLOST resolution includes public works equipment, including vehicles, for towns. County Manager Mike Stephenson responded that the items are not included but could be added.

“There’s nothing that says you have to spend a certain amount on certain things,” Hickey told mayors.

The next step on the state-mandated schedule in advance of the proposed November referendum is a called county commission meeting at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 3, for adoption of a resolution authorizing the referendum.

Three days later, Elections Superintendent Frank Scoggins will issue a call for the referendum.

Senior reporter Patti Dozier can be reached at (229) 226-2400, ext. 1820