By Samantha Sinclair
Staff Writer
Franklin Springs — With its four percent of the special purpose local option sales tax (SPLOST), Franklin Springs could get a couple new vehicles, expand water service and have a small portion of the funds needed for its wastewater treatment expansion project.
If the continuation of the tax is approved by voters in November, the city could collect a projected $1 million for projects over the six years of the tax.
Without SPLOST, there would be more of a strain on taxpayers and water and sewer customers, Mayor Lee Moore said.
The tax is the equivalent of a quarter of a mill in property taxes for Franklin Springs.
“I feel like SPLOST is the fairest tax we all can pay,” Moore said, noting everyone, including those stopping for interstate travel, contributes.
The $1 million will be split three ways — $375,000 for water and sewer; $375,000 for roads, streets and bridges; and $250,000 for public safety and fire.
The city plans to install water lines and add fire hydrants for two properties recently zoned for industrial use.
“We need to be able to provide adequate water and sewer to these properties,” Moore said.
He thinks SPLOST money will cover the funds needed for the projects, adding the price of pipe goes up every day.
“We’ll do our best to make it work,” Moore said.
The city is also looking at building a wastewater treatment facility on property it owns on Highway 145.
“It will be a much bigger facility to handle all of Franklin Springs’ needs as well as other areas in Franklin County that need sewage treatment,” Moore said.
Moore said the city will be looking into grants and other funding in addition to SPLOST to fund the projected $20 million project.
He said the city is considering its use as a regional facility, and that it could partner with the county or others with the project.
He’s hoping the project could be done in 24-30 months.
“But that’s a big hope,” Moore said.
Both the fire department and police department are looking at purchasing new vehicles with the $200,000 slated for the fire department and $50,000 for police.
The fire department has four vehicles, and would like to replace its engine truck, which is at least 25 years old.
Moore said the truck needs to be replaced due to safety and maintenance issues due to age.
He would like to see the department find a used crew engine.
The police department has two 2011 Ford Crown Victoria police cars, one of which was rear ended in an accident recently, and the city plans to use SPLOST to purchase a new vehicle.
“They’re getting on the last leg of their journey as far as being on the road,” Moore said.
The amount for streets will be used mainly for upkeep. Moore said it is over $1 million to lay one mile of asphalt.
Moore said he’s thankful the city can benefit from SPLOST funds.
“We’re happy to get whatever we can get,” Moore said.