8-31-2021 11:51am

SPLOST: Special Election Tuesday, November 2, 2021 Ballot Item

S RENEE GREENE Editor

On November 2, 2021, an election will be held throughout the territorial limits of Muscogee County to submit to the qualified voters of Muscogee County the following question:

SPECIAL 1% SALES TAX (SPLOST)

( ) YES

( ) NO

Shall a special 1 percent sales and use tax be imposed in Muscogee County for the raising of not more than $400,000,000 for Judicial Facilities; Roads, Streets, and Bridge Improvements; Trails and Sidewalks; Storm Water Projects; Parks and Recreation; Golf Facilities; Public Safety; General Government Vehicles and Equipment; Technology Enhancements; Columbus Ironworks Convention and Trade Center Improvements; Civic Center Improvements; and

Economic Development?

If imposition of the tax is approved by the voters, such vote shall also constitute approval of the issuance of general obligation debt of Columbus, Georgia in the maximum principal amount of $200,000,000 for the purpose of acquiring, constructing and equipping said Judicial Facilities.

ITEMS FOR WHICH FUNDS WILL BE SPENT

1 Judicial Facilities will be constructed at approximately 310,000 square feet of space to provide for adequate space for Superior, State, Juvenile, Municipal/Magistrate, Probate, and Juvenile Courts as well as all court related space for the Judges and Clerks of each court, Sheriff, District Attorney, Public Defender, Accountability Courts, and other court related functions at an estimated cost of $188,000,000, plus an approximate 500-600 space parking facility at an estimated cost of $12,000,000.

2 Road, Street, and Bridge Improvement Projects will include road resurfacing, traffic signal installation, widening and resurfacing roads and streets to include alternative transportation at an estimated cost of $20,000,000.

3 Trails and Sidewalks Projects will expand and/or replace the existing trail and sidewalk network at an estimated cost of $5,000,000.

4 Storm Water Projects will consist of infrastructure improvements to surface water drainage for roads, streets, bridges, sidewalks, or multi-purpose paths that have been damaged, creating damage or are subject to localized flooding by rehabilitation, replacement or installation of new systems at an estimated cost of $20,000,000.

5 Parks and Recreation Projects will include the renovation/replacement of 3 swimming pools with pools and/or splash pads, Flat Rock Park Improvements, Carver Park Improvements, Cooper Creek Park Improvements to include Pickleball Courts, Benning Park Improvements, Lakebottom Park Improvements, Theo McGee Park Improvements, Woodruff Farm Soccer Complex Improvements, Mini Splash Pads at South Commons/Civic Center, Carver Park, Liberty District, City Service Center, and 2 additional locations to be determined, and other enhancements to existing parks to include restrooms, pavilions, facilities, and other recreational opportunities at an estimated cost of $48,000,000.

6 Golf Facilities Projects will include the replacement of the Bull Creek Golf Course Clubhouse and bridge, renovations of the Oxbow Creek Golf Course and replacement of the bridge at an estimated cost of $5,000,000.

7 Public Safety Projects will include acquisition and upgraded Police, Fire, Emergency Medical Service, and Sherriff’s vehicles and equipment and restoration of three Fire Stations, replacement of one Fire Station, and renovations of the Public Safety Building and other public safety vehicle, equipment and facility renovations at an estimated cost of $44,000,000.

8 General Government Vehicles and Equipment Projects will include acquisition and upgraded vehicles and equipment to include but not limited to Tractors, Trailers, Dump Trucks, Asphalt Trucks, Mowers, Bucket Trucks, Service Vehicles, Passenger Vans, and other vehicles and equipment at an estimated cost of $14,000,000.

9 Technology Enhancements will include acquisition and upgraded technology to include personal computers, servers, software, and other technology enhancements at an estimated cost $5,000,000.

10 Columbus Ironworks Convention and Trade Center Project will include improvements to the parking facility to provide for approximately 500 spaces at an estimated cost of $5,000,000.

11 Columbus Civic Center Project will include improvements to the facility to include roof replacement, sound system replacement, LED display system, video scoreboard and other improvements at an estimated cost of $5,000,000.

12 Economic Development will include acquisition, site preparation and infrastructure necessary for the Muscogee Technology Park and other locations for new and expanding industries to supply jobs for Columbus area citizens, and targeting a South Columbus Redevelopment initiative at an estimated cost of $9,000,000.