Appling County holds public briefing on proposed 2024 SPLOST; officials outline courthouse, safety and infrastructure needs

Appling County commissioners convened a public information session on Feb. 13 to explain how a proposed 2024 Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) would be used and to answer questions submitted in advance.

County Manager Al Meadows opened the meeting by reading a statement framing the event as informational and reminding attendees that the meeting would not change ballot language: "Tonight, you will receive an information briefing concerning the 2024 Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST). We may reference previous SPLOST budgets in order to bring context to an issue but will focus our discussion on the 2024 SPLOST." He also asked that panel members be treated with respect and noted the county had received 19 emailed questions to be addressed after presentations.

City Manager Keri Orvin outlined the City of Baxley’s request categories: public infrastructure projects such as streets, storm drainage and water/sewer work; police department housing; and public amenities, including relocating a water tower tank and enhancements to the city water park such as a splash pad.

Sheriff Mark Melton told the meeting that vehicle purchases and equipment adaptations cost roughly $200,000 a year for six years — about $1.2 million — and requested SPLOST funds for a dedicated investigators’ space and for a new courthouse complex. Melton cited overcrowding and security concerns at the existing courthouse, and said mold and moisture issues were affecting the facility used by multiple courts.

Tony O’Steen, chief financial officer for the Appling County Hospital Authority, said maintenance costs have risen about 5% since 2018, noted an air handler that is more than 25 years old and called out original under-building plumbing as a long-term maintenance need. Fire Chief Linton DeLoach said turnout gear replacement is required after 10 years and that the cost to replace roughly 145 suits has nearly doubled since 2018.

During a question-and-answer session, County Manager Al Meadows addressed a range of procedural questions submitted by residents. He said there is no automatic property tax increase if voters reject the SPLOST; instead, the board would decide whether to fund projects from the county’s general fund or to postpone them. On timing, Meadows cited the State of Georgia Election Code and said that if the referendum fails, the county could not hold another SPLOST referendum for 12 months after the month it failed.

Meadows also described transparency and reporting procedures: the county manager will provide quarterly SPLOST reports at monthly board meetings; local governments receiving SPLOST funds must publish an annual nontechnical report in the local legal organ and on their websites; and an annual audit of SPLOST funds will be performed and made available when completed. He said project estimates and the overall allocation by project were published in the Baxley News Banner on Jan. 18.

On the courthouse question, Meadows said the SPLOST citizens panel formed in November 2021 produced a recommended project list, and the board later determined the courthouse required funding for improved, secure facilities. He reiterated there are no finalized designs or location decisions, and that the courthouse funding is contingent on additional grant availability; if those funds do not materialize the allocation could revert to roads and bridges.

The meeting did not change the SPLOST ballot wording and included a reminder that any project work or purchases cannot begin until funding is secured.

The board adjourned at 7:45 p.m.; attendees were told commissioners would be available afterward in the parking lot to discuss remaining questions.