T-Splost

As our community approaches the upcoming November referendum on the Transportation Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (T-SPLOST), it’s crucial that we understand the significant impact this measure could have on our daily lives and the future of our infrastructure.

The Current State of Affairs

Currently, our city receives a modest annual allocation of approximately $100,000 for street improvements. While this funding allows us to resurface about 3 to 4 short roads per year, it falls drastically short of addressing our community’s growing infrastructure needs.

To put this into perspective, consider Southern Hills Subdivision. There’s a single road in this area that desperately needs resurfacing, with an estimated cost of over $300,000. Under our current budget constraints, addressing this one road alone could consume our entire street improvement budget for three years, leaving countless other roads in disrepair.

The T-SPLOST Difference

The proposed T-SPLOST would be a game-changer for our community. If passed, our city would receive nearly $1 million annually for road improvements. This tenfold increase in funding would allow us to pave and repair many more roads each year than we currently can.

Imagine the transformation:

• Instead of 3-4 short roads per year, we could improve many roads annually.
• Projects like the Southern Hills Subdivision road could be completed in a single year, with funds left over for other critical improvements.
• We could address our backlog of road repairs more quickly, enhancing safety and quality of life for all residents.

A Fair Approach to Funding

One of the most compelling aspects of T-SPLOST is its fairness. Unlike property taxes that place the burden solely on local homeowners and businesses, a sales tax is shared by everyone who makes purchases in our community – including visitors and tourists. This means that those who use our roads, even temporarily, contribute to their maintenance and improvement.

Investing in Our Future

Good infrastructure is the backbone of a thriving community. Well-maintained roads:

• Improve safety for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians
• Enhance property values across the city
• Attract new businesses and residents
• Reduce vehicle maintenance costs for all drivers

The Time to Act is Now

The choice before us is clear. We can continue with the status quo, stretching our limited resources and watching our infrastructure slowly deteriorate, or we can invest in a brighter future for our community.

By voting YES on the T-SPLOST referendum, we have the power to transform our city’s infrastructure, creating safer, smoother, and more reliable roads for everyone. This is not just about paving streets; it’s about paving the way for a more prosperous and vibrant community.