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Forest Park reviews SPLOST balances, city center cost pressures and project timelines
Summary
City staff told the council the city’s remaining SPLOST fund balances are roughly $1.4 million (2008), $4.7 million (2015) and $14.3 million (2021). Council discussed prioritizing flexible language in the SPLOST list and affirmed it expects to be involved in developing the list of projects the county will put on the referendum.
Council members on June 2 received an update on the status of SPLOST (Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax) funds and capital projects, including the new city center and park renovations.
Key figures and context
City Manager Ricky Clark said finance staff pulled current fund balances for the city’s three referenced SPLOST cycles: about $1.4 million remained from 2008, about $4.7 million from 2015 and about $14.3 million from 2021. Clark noted that many projects listed in SPLOST referendums date back years and that rising costs (inflation) have increased project prices since those lists were drafted.
City center and precision planning task order
The council approved a task order for Precision Planning (PPI) to complete construction documents and permitting for the new city center, which Clark said would be approximately 200,000 square feet including structured parking. The task order’s not‑to‑exceed amount is $2,227,500; Clark said additional funding sources include prior bond proceeds and SPLOST balances, and that a separate task order for construction administration will follow after a guaranteed maximum price (GMP) is negotiated.
SPLOST list drafting and timing
Council members asked whether the governing body will participate in crafting the SPLOST list county officials will place on a referendum; staff confirmed the city must adopt the list and that the governing body will be solicited for input. Attorney Matricardi said timing and contractual obligations vary by referendum and intergovernmental agreement; the city manager later clarified that some SPLOST funds must be obligated within a statute or intergovernmental agreement time frame — staff later noted the county rule allows up to 10 years after SPLOST expiration to obligate funds in some cases.
Other capital items
Staff updated the council on several capital projects at varying stages — sidewalks, park renovations (Star Park), Linda Way condemnation steps and landscaping of Forest Parkway medians. Clark said the city will combine stormwater work where feasible to reduce costs and that the Star Park project awaits final approval from the Clayton County water authority before bids are issued.
Ending
Council members asked for more detailed cross‑references between each capital project and the specific SPLOST referendum source; staff said they will provide referendums, itemized lists and audit schedules to show what has been budgeted, expended and remains available.
