County and city leaders look ahead to SPLOST

GAINESVILLE - Hall County and its cities Monday night looked at how to get the next Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax approved by the voters at its joint association meeting.

Hall County Commissioner Steve Gailey pointed out that voters are growing restless about government cost; even the penny tax on the dollar is preferable to a property tax increase.

That makes an intergovernmental agreement on SPLOST projects vital or the next referendum could be a tough sell.

"This year we have some flexibility with SPLOST," Gailey said. "If the county and Gainesville can agree on the projects we can have a vote and extend it to six years."

Gailey said a six-year SPLOST would bring in $240 million.

"The key is getting the citizens to understand the impact of this penny," Gailey added. "This penny is big money when you're looking at the amount that property tax would have to be increased."

The county expects to have all city and county projects funded by the next SPLOST identified by the end of May.

http://accesswdun.com/article/2008/4/209471