Commission accepts SPLOST continuation results and authorizes steps toward up to $100 million bond issuance

The commission discussed the March 18, 2025 special purpose local option sales tax (SPLOST) continuation and a provision on the ballot that allows the county to issue general obligation bonds up to $100 million to speed project starts. The mayor explained that the continuation vote included authority for the commission to issue up to $100 million in bonds, but said every specific bond issuance would return to the commission for approval and that the ballot language required the amount to be listed.

The mayor said if the county did not use bond authorization the current collection rate would mean a delay of roughly three years before some projects could begin. He said the commission will review and approve each proposed bond issuance; the mayor said he expects to recommend an initial bond request (he cited $25 million to begin work on Rhodes in his remarks) and that attorneys will prepare resolutions for commission consideration.

Why it matters: bond authority backed by SPLOST proceeds allows the county to borrow in advance of collections to start larger capital projects sooner; the approval still requires subsequent, itemized bond resolutions and votes by the commission.

Commissioners asked for clarification about public perception of a $100 million cap and whether the county currently had $100 million on hand; the mayor reiterated that the ballot authorized an "up to" amount and that any actual bond issuance will require commission approval and come with a detailed request. Legal counsel and the mayor clarified the administrative process: the mayor, as chair, will present bond requests and attorneys will draft the necessary resolutions for the commission to vote on.

Ending: The commission accepted the result and authorized staff to take the next administrative steps; commissioners voted to send the resolution to the consent agenda.