SPLOST

[summerose]

bubbadebubba said:

I've got a novel idea- why don't we all personnaly call the Board of Ed and tell them to put on the splost ballot to use the sales taxes to reduce property taxes.- oh wait, I can't find their phone numbers in the phone book. seems like most all county officials are not listed.

Yes, isn't that convenient for them!

[shortcircuit]

So what is the truth about the SPLOST? It is supposed to be extended for the purpose of the school building a fine arts center and new athletic facilities. However, on the youtube video posted here Liemar says that some of the funds will be used to pay for new fire engines. I initially supported extending splost, now it looks like it is just more money for Liemar to waste. www.blairsvillecity.com/Videos.htm

[manape]

Shortcircuit, I don't know what truth you seek. I just don't think the people are in any mood for higher taxes, SPLOST or property taxes.

According to Lamar in April the current SPLOST sales tax ends in August of 2009 and all the SPLOST projects will be paid off in 2009.

The republicans say we are saddled with debt for many years to come. Two years doesn't sound like many years to me. I know this will bring the Lamar lied comments out of the woodwork. If that is any body's opinion, then impress us with your facts and give us your sources. I'm not saying I'm supporting Lamar or defending him. So, don't waste your typing on me. Like, shortcircuit, I am seeking the truth, also.

Personally, I supported the courthouse addition, because it was needed. I'm for any SPLOST sales tax that will help pay for fire trucks, roads and bridges (essential items), and keep my property taxes lower. Additionally, if SPLOST is not used for essentials, property taxes will probably increase.

I don't think voters are in the mood for additional projects right now. Give us a break. I supported the new school buildings because students needed them. That is finished. Now, the school system is trying to sell us on additional sales tax to add something that is not really needed. Given the depressed housing market in Union County, I don't think it is is a good time to increase the SPLOST sales tax beyond August of 2009 just for something nice to have. Let's weight the cost/benefits, here. Although percentage of people out of work is small, the average income is less in Union County and people struggle. Additional sales tax would just increase the cost of living expenses for non-essential spending when a lot of people are struggling.

Q&A source: The Union county Website:Q. You had an article in last weeks paper about selling more bonds to pay for the courthouse and other SPLOST projects. How long will the county be paying on those bonds?
A. These are short term bonds that coincide with the end of the 5 year SPLOST sales tax. This current SPLOST sales tax ends in August of 2009. So assuming that our sales tax receipts remain relatively stable, the bonds will be paid off in 2009, and all of the SPLOST projects will be debt free, including the courthouse addition.

Now, the school system is trying to sell us on the Fine Arts center.
Source: NGN

Proposed SPLOST

September 12, 2007

Fine Art Center, athletic complex could be in future
By NGN Editor Norman Cooper

Proposed drawing for Union County Fine Arts Center

Union County has its best - if not only - opportunity of obtaining a fine arts center for the community, but only if voters approve an extension of the Special Local Option Sales Tax currently in place.
The current and previous SPLOST provided funds for school buildings and classroom space desperately needed for education.
"Our first priority has always been classrooms and we've never had the opportunity to look beyond that," said Union County School Superintendent Tommy Stephens, who attended a meeting of citizens who are forming a committee to inform the public on the advantages of extending the SPLOST.
Becky Dyer is chairman of the committee which will have information of the special tax and the benefits the school system and the community can reap if passed.
Stephens was very clear that neither he nor any school board member can serve on the committee nor can they endorse the special one-cent tax because of their positions in the school system.
The superintendent and board members are permitted to provide information.
"We've met our classroom space requirement," Stephens said.
In addition to the civic center, the special tax would also provide funds for an athletic complex that would be created on the current high school campus. It would bring all athletic events and practice facilities to that campus rather than having them scattered throughout the city and the county.

[bubbadebubba]

manape said:

Shortcircuit, I don't know what truth you seek. I just don't think the people are in any mood for higher taxes, SPLOST or property taxes.

According to Lamar in April the current SPLOST sales tax ends in August of 2009 and all the SPLOST projects will be paid off in 2009.

]

The quote about the splost by the commish is not in the April Q&A on the county website.

As for the splost, the one being voted on in November is for the School system, not local government.

[bubbadebubba]

As for any splost vote;;On any given splost vote for re-newing the splost tax, the local government (meaning county) or the school board can put on the splost ballot that the tax collected can be applied to pay off existing bonded indebtedness, Elected officials NEVER tell the voters this. All elected officials everywhere, will always put a new project on the ballot to put the property owner further in debt. Their aim is to increase the size of government, they are totally confused thinking government is a private business and therefore size should increase.

[bubbadebubba]

shortcircuit said:

So what is the truth about the SPLOST? It is supposed to be extended for the purpose of the school building a fine arts center and new athletic facilities. However, on the youtube video posted here Liemar says that some of the funds will be used to pay for new fire engines. I initially supported extending splost, now it looks like it is just more money for Liemar to waste. www.blairsvillecity.com/Videos.htm

short-- there are 2 splosts to vote on at different times. one is for local government and the other is for schools. That's right, a left punch, then a right punch!! and the punches keep coming every 2-3 years. How long can we tax-payers last before the knockout by government? Maybe government should be abandoned.

[queenbee]

I AM VOTING NO!!!!!

I think the school system should put more thought into education then into extra-curricular activities.

I have yet to see a star athlete go pro that graduated form UCHS. Yet we still keep sinking money into them.

[bubbadebubba]

Good for you queen!! I too am voting NO for all the reasons listed in this forum.
Of course the entire school system will be voting for it, so tell all your family and friends the reasons to vote no.

[bubbadebubba]

VOTE NO-NO-NO-NO TO SPLOST ON NOVEMBER 6TH.

[bubbadebubba]

Saw the published ad by the school board for the splost tax. It was in the legal section of the local fishwrapper where the type is SO SMALL the old people can't read it without a magnifying glass. Probably their way of hoping the old people don't turn out and vote. They sure are trying to keep it low-key so not many voters will know what is going on.

VOTE NO TO SPLOST ON NOV 6TH.

[bubbadebubba]

I see where the local fishwrapper is pushing for the splost but not allowing anything to be said opposing it. So much for any intergity or fairness this paper claims. This paper is so biased it's pathetic.

[bubbadebubba]

VOTE NO TO SPLOST---- It's just another money grab by the Board and Superintendent because they can't manage the financial affairs of the school system.

[summerose]

After much thought and receiving my "VERY HIGH" property tax bill yesterday, I am definately voting NO!

[shortcircuit]

Okay I know I said before that I support the splost but I'm gonna pull a John Kerry and change my mind. summerose couldn't have said it better in her post above. Liemar Paris and Tommy Stephens need to see that they can't throw our money away anytime they want to.

[eddie]

shortcircuit said:

Okay I know I said before that I support the splost but I'm gonna pull a John Kerry and change my mind. summerose couldn't have said it better in her post above. Liemar Paris and Tommy Stephens need to see that they can't throw our money away anytime they want to.

No, no, no, not at all like John Kerry. More like Hank Williams Sr. as in "I Saw The Light".

I had faith all along that you would reconsider. Now, let's get more to do likewise.