Sales tax vote gets unanimous consent

By JOHN THOMPSON
jthompson@TheCitizenNews.com

The Fayette County Commission will let the voters decide Nov. 2 if they want their sales tax raised a penny.

In return for the extra cent on every purchase in the county, officials would receive nearly $116 million over a five-year period to pay for transportation projects.

“This is one of the ways to raise the money, or we could issue bonds or raise property taxes,” said Commission Chairman Greg Dunn.

The money could only be used for road improvements, streets and bridges, he added. He also took a shot at Peachtree City Mayor Steve Brown, who wants more money for his city.

“I don’t believe he fully understands this. This is a countywide transportation plan. We don’t build roads and end them at city limits,” he said.

The commission also said nearly 30 to 35 percent of the $116 million would come from out-of-county residents who shop in the county.

“We can’t afford to wait any longer,” said Commissioner A.G. VanLandingham.