The participants in the SPLOST information meeting last week did a fine job of explaining to us just how they want to spend $150 million. Very simply stated, the City and County officials want the citizens to give them permission to borrow 150 million which they hope to pay back with an increase in the sales tax. That money is for a new jail, several frills, and $47 million in interest.

The need to borrow money for a new jail might be one thing, but it does not seem fiscally prudent to borrow money for a horse and dog show arena, a YMCA, or a performing arts center. Could we not collect the money from the sales tax and pay as we go? I am a firm believer in the Clark Howard and Dave Ramsey financial management school. Borrowing money for frills does not pass the financial responsibility test.

A large number of Gold's Gym employees were at the meeting to protest using tax money for a YMCA since this would negatively impact privately owned gyms. The same argument could be made for the other frills. Is it fiscally prudent to spend millions of dollars on a horse and dog arena so that 100-150 4-H members can show their horses? Both the YMCA and the 4-H club are wonderful organizations. However, is it up to Douglas County taxpayers to provide the facilities and commit to the upkeep?

Think of the Aquatic Center. This is an example of a great idea that has turned into an alligator. Perhaps we need to think of the long term costs, pay as we go, and let Douglas County taxpayers have some relief since we have already had 3 property tax increases within a year.

Denise Grentz

Douglasville, GA

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