Two Dougherty County Commissioners came out against the proposed regional transportation sales tax that we'll vote on July 31st.
It would provide millions of dollars for road projects in the county, but two county leaders say those projects aren't worth increasing the tax burden on you.
Monday, Dougherty County commissioners Gloria Gaines and Jack Stone let the public know, they are not in favor of the July 31st transportation tax referendum.
This coming after the county commission voted to increase property taxes earlier in the day.
"This is a sales tax for Christ's sake and that means it is a regressive tax. That means it hit the bottom part of the economic ladder much harder than it does those who are not below a certain poverty level," said Commissioner Gaines.
"In all reality we don't need this. We've got good roads in Dougherty County. The sales tax we've got now, we can work on that and keep our roads like they are," said Commissioner Stone.
Recently we hit the streets to see who actually knows about the proposed one percent sales tax. The answer may shock you.
"No. Never heard of it," said Tamika Smith when asked if she heard of the tax.
"No," said Alice Coats when asked the same. "I don't know enough about it to make an educated or informed decision and I believe that's probably about 80 to 90 percent of the people in this town," she continued.
It's responses like that from the community that have Commissioner Gaines upset over the wording of the tax on the July ballot that reads: "Provides for local transportation projects to create jobs, improve roads and safety with citizen oversight." That phrase is seen before going into what the tax means.
"It is really kind of leaning towards saying this is a good thing and that is not what should happen," said Commissioner Gaines.
"I'm not going to vote on it and I don't encouraging nobody to vote for it. I think it's wasting money and I think it's not one of the top priorities we've got at the present time," said Commissioner Stone.
The future of the referendum now lies in the hands of voters.
Forums have been held to help educate the public about TSPLOST and there is plenty of information provided to help you, the voter, make an educated decision.
Click Here to read more about TSPLOST.
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