City seeks $6M

Thomaston City Council has faith in the local economy - so much so, they estimate a six-year sales tax issue will generate $18 million.

Council wants one-third of the total, which is $6 million, to spend on various projects.

Upson County Commissioners are considering calling for

a new Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax in a vote later this year. A new law requires the county to share some of the proceeds with the city based on population figures. However, the county can first take 20 percent of the total proceeds for certain projects and then divide the rest. If commissioners choose that route, that would leave the city with $4.8 million instead of the $6 million requested.

"We've been saying the tax will generate $14 million, but that estimate is based on past experiences," Mayor Hays Arnold said. "I believe that the economy

-See SPLOST, Page 3A

will improve and that the tax will generate more which, in turn, means the city's portion should be more."

County Commissioners were presented with the city's revised request just prior to their meeting Thursday.

The city's project list includes $2.6 million for sewer line upgrades and renovations, $1.25 million for enclosing 1,800 feet of bell creek, part of the creek which runs adjacent to Cross Street and the conducting of a watershed assessment.

Also, the city is asking for $1.25 million for "water and wastewater treatment modifications," $500,000 for utility line improvements and $400,000 for "other projects and beautification."

"This amounts to one-third of a six-year SPLOST generating $18 million," according to the city.