MARK STRICKLAND: T-SPLOST removes some of taxpayers’ burden

Being an avid reader of the Squawk section, I’ve noticed several misconceptions concerning upcoming T-SPLOST referendums in our local counties.

Many of our surrounding communities are facing a shrinking pool of property owners who pay taxes. At the same time, our county and city governments are facing the daunting task of paying for a list of statutorily required services that are constantly increasing in cost with no means of raising the additional funds required to pay for them except through higher property taxes.

Road paving for example is extremely expensive — so expensive in fact that both cities and counties have had to delay repaving projects to the point where some of our paved roads are nearly impassable. Although part of the costs involved in repaving roads and streets can be met through state grants (LMIG), a sizable portion of the cost must be paid with local funds. T-SPLOST initiatives are designed to help pay the local cost for road repaving and maintenance, both in the cities as well as in the unincorporated areas of the county. This money does not go to the state or to some other government. It stays local. The T-SPLOST initiative is designed to painlessly raise the funds we need to better our communities.

No one likes taxes, but everyone likes the services they provide. Rather than adding additional burdens to already overburdened taxpayers, lets do something right and support our T-SPLOST initiatives on the November ballot.

Mark Strickland

Morgan