Dear Editor,

There are lots of questions pertaining to the purposed $166 million Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) referendum, September 18, which have not been addressed.

In one article Mr. Jimmy Haddle said the jail will get approximately $84 million but it will actually cost more than $130 million to build. Where will the balance of the $130 million come from? There seems to be two answers; higher property taxes or passage of another SPLOST tax in six years. Commissioners have already threatened us with higher property taxes.

The SPLOST proposal calls for a 12 year bond (loan) for $150 million to cover six year of taxes. How do they plan to cover the additional 6 years? How will the tens of millions of dollars in interest be paid for beyond the six years of taxes?

The Sheriff’s department budget is over $24 million each year. How many millions more will it cost to operate and maintain the proposed facility? How many more employees, cars, pensions and benefits will we have to pay for?

Last year, Chairman Worthan told the public that you can build these big ticket items with SPLOST dollars but the cost of maintenance and operations must come from general funds. That’s our property taxes, right?

Mr. Haddle also talked about a senior center and ball field. These projects were promised in the 2002 SPLOST but were never delivered. Mr. Haddle should tell us how much it will cost to operate another senior center. Where will this money come from? Property taxes!

The county cannot maintain the basic needs of our county now, road repairs, right of way trash pick up, etc. because they say they don’t have enough cash. Common sense tells me our property taxes will be increased to cover the additional costs.

What will it cost to operate and maintain a horse and dog park or a rock concert hall? It was reported that the Mable House Amphitheater in Cobb County is losing $1 million each year in spite of booking popular acts. It’s just another money pit like the aquatic center in Douglas.

As senior citizens on limited income, my husband and I have learned to cut our budget and live within our means based on our income. The Douglas County government must learn to live within its means also.

The citizens do not work for the government. The government works for us.

We say NO to the SPLOST tax increase and NO to special interest projects that threaten to raise my property taxes. Not until they can show us they can manage our tax dollars.

Sue Spraggins - Lithia Springs, Ga.