Citizens for Progress Makes Case for SPLOST VII

David Seago, co-chairman of Citizens for Progress, the non-profit group working to ensure passage of a $200 million special purpose local option sales tax next month, took time Thursday, Oct. 13 to answer questions about the tax and the projects it would fund.

Seago was passionate about the need to build a new courthouse, expand the jail and improve in the county's infrastructure.

"Our residents deserve up-to-date facilities," he said. "We deserve a safe and secure environment for our public safety workers. That jail is outdated and so overcrowded and we're paying a fortune to house our prisoners in Hall County."

If the SPLOST passes Nov. 8, the 

Seago said SPLOST is the perfect mechanism to fund something government can't afford to fund out of its General Fund.

"Forty percent of the money comes from people outside the county," he said. "Of course, that also means if I shop in Fulton County, I'm doing something over there. But for us, 40 percent of the funds are coming from outside the county. It's hard to walk away from 40 percent."

Seago also said now is the time to extend the current SPLOST VI which doesn't expire until 2013.

"This is absolutely the wrong time to stop the SPLOST," he said. "Forsyth County was poised to do some great things. We've got to be sure when (the economy) comes around again, we haven't lost ground and infrastructure is a big part of that. The county's budget is already strained."



According to the Citizens for Progress Web site, "Over the next ten years, it is estimated that Forsyth County will spend more than $100 million in housing prisoners in surrounding counties and renting space for our county’s judicial system. This means, that in less than ten years, the jail expansion and new courthouse will MORE than pay for themselves–keeping our local tax dollars in our local community."

Seago said that estimate came from the Sheriff's Office. Although he has not verified its accuracy, he said he is confident it is correct.

"I feel as good as I can feel about it," he said. "I'm good with it."

The group's Web site also states: "Not continuing SPLOST could force our County to experience higher deferred maintenance costs, incur debt for future generations or raise property taxes."

But Seago acknowledged that if voters approve SPLOST VII, commissioners could still vote to raise taxes in 2012.

"There is no guarantee it avoids raising property taxes," he said.

It is a concern many voters have had since last summer when the Forsyth County Board of Education promoted its education SPLOST, offering a similar choice: SPLOST or a tax increase.

Seago said because of the negative feedback the school system received it would be difficult for commissioners to approve a tax increase if SPLOST is passed.

"I'm going to hold them pretty accountable," he said. "I think they got the message very strong and that would be a pretty tough sell."

Seago also said he wasn't concerned about the commissioners' scheduling the SPLOST vote during a special election when, historically, only a very small percentage of registered voters participate rather than next year's presidential primary, which is certain to attract a much higher turnout.

"I'm not sure it matters," he said. "Yeah, there will be a lower voter turnout but everyone who goes to the poll that day will be passionate one way or the other."

One thing both sides agree on is whoever is more successful in getting their voters out on Nov. 8 will decide the issue.

Editor's Note: This article first appeared on Cumming Patch on Oct. 17, 2011.