Dougherty County SPLOST Projects: To Start Now or Later?

The Dougherty County Finance Committee recently had a roundtable discussion on funding for SPLOST projects. They were trying to figure out if they should start the projects now or wait for the future. The timelines for the projects are uncertain, and the board of commissioners is considering funding them through a bond instrument process.

Instead of waiting for funds to come in from a 1% sales tax (SPLOST), the committee met with Daylight Capital Advisors to discuss the potential issuance of a bond instrument. According to Dougherty County Finance Chairman Clinton Johnson, this move would not expand the budget, but it would allow the county to spend the estimated SPLOST returns. However, it comes with a cost of $1.6 million.

The big question is whether it’s better to go ahead now, despite the inflation and interest rates, or to wait and see how far the gathered money will go in the future. The county has several approved projects from the last SPLOST, but the committee is debating whether any of these projects need to be done earlier than the tax collection schedule indicates.

The commission did not make a decision on Monday because they don’t have a list of pressing projects. Commissioner Gloria Gaines expressed uncertainty about the urgency of the projects, stating that there may not be any unmet public needs that would cause harm if the projects are not done immediately.

Commissioner Russell Gray also questioned the necessity of immediate action, emphasizing the need to assess the potential harm caused by delaying the projects. Johnson highlighted that the county has used bonds in the past without negative effects, but the current board may have different perspectives.

The roundtable aimed to explore options for starting the projects now or later. If the committee proceeds with obtaining a bond, Commissioner Gaines believes that the county may not be able to fulfill all the projects due to staffing limitations. She emphasized the need to carefully evaluate the costs and potential outcomes before making a decision.

Johnson assured that the committee will continue discussions and involve the public in a work session to gather input. The decision-making process will involve careful consideration of the financial implications and the community’s needs.