The Fayette Citizen-News Page

Wednesday, November 5, 2003

County eyes 1¢ local sales tax just for roads

By JOHN THOMPSON
jthompson@TheCitizenNews.com

Now that the plan is completed and prioritized, Fayette County officials are struggling with how to pay for the projects. The most prevalent idea that was floated during last week’s transportation summit was a one-cent added sales tax.

“We just can’t do it with a property tax anymore,” said Commission Chairman Greg Dunn.

Dunn said a Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax could generate between $110 and $120 million over five years to help pay for the massive plan.

The chairman favors having a committee made up of all the jurisdictions in the county to evaluate all the projects in the county and tweak the priorities over the life of the tax.

“We needed to be armed to the teeth when we go to the ARC and if we have a plan and possible funding in place, we can leverage addition funding,” he said.

The elected officials at last week’s meeting did not decide whether to call for a SPOST vote in next year’s elections, but realize their options are limited when it comes to finding the money to fund the projects.

Some of the major projects not in the top 10 involved in the plan include:

The widening of Tyrone-Palmetto Road from Ga. Highway 74 to the Coweta County line. The project is estimated to cost $14.4 million and is pegged for the year 2025.

The widening of Ga. Highway 314 from Ga. Highway 279 to Norman Drive in Fulton County. Officials estimate the cost at $15.9 million, with the federal government picking up the tab.

Increasing the lanes on McDonough Road from two to four lanes is slated for the year 2010 and its estimated price tag is $11 million, with the Georgia Department of Transportation picking up most of the costs.

Improving the conditions on Ga. Highway 92 South. Officials want to add turn lanes and intersection improvements from McBride Road south to the county line. The project would cost $20 million and be completed in 2025.

A complete overview of the transportation plan is available at the county offices.