Letter to the Editor: Citizens for Progress, SPLOST VII

Our community has a rare opportunity to make a wise and much needed investment in our future. The referendum to renew the Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) is one of the most significant decisions our community has had the opportunity to make in many years. It is important for each of us to know the facts and to make intelligent decisions when voting on the future of our community.

This is a “meat and potatoes” SPLOST. There are no luxury items on the list.  Each project was discussed in great detail in a series of 14 public meetings beginning in April, 2011. Through public input and scrutiny, the list of projects approved represents the desire of citizens in deciding how they want dollars for transportation, public safety, and other critical infrastructure improvements to be spent.

Nearly $70 million is dedicated to alleviate congestion and improve the safety of our roads. Transportation projects account for more than any single project within the jail expansion, courthouse and downtown parking projects. If we fail to make this important investment in our infrastructure now, it will be even more expensive and challenging for us to catch up in the future. Included in this SPLOST referendum is $4.5 million for new sidewalks on Majors Road, Old Alpharetta Road, Caney Road and Nichols Road. There is also money for 12 much needed road improvement or widening projects in Forsyth County.

The sales tax dollars will also be used to expand the jail at the current location and build a much needed courthouse with a secure connection between the two buildings. While this is about achieving long-term efficiencies, it is more importantly a public safety issue. Our Sheriff and Chief Superior Court Judge have made it clear that the existing buildings are a public safety disaster waiting to happen. One of the first requirements of industry is the ability to operate and function in a safe environment. If we fail to provide this environment, we are at risk of losing jobs to neighboring communities. It is also important to know that the jail expansion and new courthouse will pay for themselves in less than 10 years and provide for valuable reinvestment in the community.

All options were carefully reviewed and considered. The plan before voters this November achieves the highest level of efficiency at the lowest cost to taxpayers.

In making a decision, you should also consider that according to the U.S. Consumer Expenditure Survey and U.S. Census Bureau’s Census of Retail Trade 38 percent of all sales taxes collected in our community are from non-Forsyth County residents. Rather than funding critical transportation and infrastructure improvements through property taxes, which are paid entirely by county residents, why not deflect nearly 40 percent to nonresidents? Moreover, this is not a new tax for our community. This a vote to continue an existing tax and one that has funded hundreds of critical projects that we now often take for granted.

It is also no small consideration that SPLOST was unanimously approved by Forsyth County Commissioners and the Cumming City Council. It has been many years since there was unanimous agreement on anything – but the leaders of our community have agreed unanimously on the needs in SPLOST.

SPLOST is transparent. By holding our elected leaders accountable to funding the project list presented, SPLOST is the most transparent funding mechanism for much needed transportation and public safety projects.

Since 1983, our community has consistently voted to support the fiscally conservative and fair method of funding capital projects through a locally controlled sales tax. Today, we enjoy the benefits of Sharon Springs Park, Fowler Park, the Aquatics Center, fire trucks and fire stations throughout Forsyth County, hundreds of road projects, sidewalk installations and public safety improvements. Our community has a strong track record of fiscal responsibility. We continue to maintain a balanced budget and are one of only three counties in Georgia to enjoy a AAA bond rating. This SPLOST is a vote to continue that great tradition of strong, conservative fiscal leadership.

When going to the polls on November 8, vote to support the future of our community by voting YES to continue SPLOST.

Jayne Iglesias and David Seago
Co-Chairs                          
Citizens for Progress

Editor's Note: Cumming Patch is not endorsing any organization, person or entity that is for or against SPLOST VII.