Douglas County Tax Savings Approaches $4 Million

The Douglas County Taxpayers Coalition (DCTC) has placed a “Tax Savings Ticker” on its web site www.DouglasTaxes.com so visitors can see how much cash they are able to keep in their pockets since the tax expired. On Thursday August 30, the sales tax savings are expected to reach $4 million.

Based on current estimates, the citizens Douglas County are saving approximately $2.5 million per month. For July and August of 2006, the one cent sales tax generated $5.2 million in revenues. The $4 million will probably be lower than actual savings. By January 2008, tax savings will be approximately $15-18 million.

On September 18, 2007, Douglas County voters will have an opportunity to vote to keep the tax savings or give the county and city governments over $200 million over 6 years and issue $170 million in general obligation bonds (loans) backed by general funds or property taxes. These bonds will cost more than $80 million in interest and fees.

Lower sales tax means consumers keep more of their money to save, spend, or invest in the local economy. Lower taxes mean more cash to spend on retail items which in turn generates more sales tax revenue. It has been shown that lower sales taxes can actually generate more tax revenue due to increased spending.

The next time you hear someone say the SPLOST is “just a penny”, ask them about the 12 year bond debt that would be issued and increased county spending due to additional operational and maintenance costs and new employee benefit costs.

Douglas County Taxpayers Coalition supports lower taxes which help to stimulate the economy.

For more information contact DCTC at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or visit our web site www.DouglasTaxes.com or James Bell 404-452-4668

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