Bulloch County Commissioners and representatives for each of the county’s municipalities reached an intergovernmental agreement regarding a potential 2013 Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) on Thursday.
    As part of a special called meeting in Statesboro’s North Main Annex, local officials unanimously approved the agreement, which sets parameters for the use and distribution of projected SPLOST funds through 2019.
    City mayors signed off on the contract that will only be enacted if and when voters choose to renew the six-year, one-cent sales tax through a referendum in November — The 2013 SPLOST would go into effect October 1, 2013 upon the conclusion of the current tax’s six-year period.
    According to Bulloch County Manager Tom Couch, a SPLOST extension could result in more than $70 million to spur economic development and provide continued quality services throughout the county.
    A continuation of the tax would provide a “strategic advantage” for the county, he said, by “securing a big capital funding source through the end of the decade.”
    Included within the contract accepted Thursday, are projections of moneys expected for each of the county’s municipalities — and plans for spending those funds.
    County officials estimate that $71.4 million will be dispersed throughout Bulloch as a result of the renewed tax — an additional $10.8 million would be spent as part of a joint project between the county and all municipalities to buy landfill space in Wayne County for disposal of waste.
    The amount of funds allocated to each city will be determined by population, said Couch.
    According to the agreement, the City of Statesboro stands to receive approximately $28.9 million. Brooklet would be provided $1.4 million, Portal can expect about $458,000 and Register is apportioned slightly more than $177,000.
    Bulloch County would receive about $40.5 million of the collected tax money.
     “I support [the tax],” said Statesboro City Manager Frank Parker. “The SPLOST functions well for the County and the City in allowing us to fund projects without having to raise other taxes.”
     “I think SPLOST dollars are a benefit,” he said. “And I encourage the public to realize that many of these projects are essential projects for the city and county.”
    The City of Statesboro in planning for SPLOST funds, has budgeted $9 million for water and sewer projects, $7.4 million for road, street and bridge projects, $2.7 million for natural gas improvements and $2 million for economic development — additional monies will fund projects associated with solid waste and repairing or renovating existing city structures.
    According to Parker, projects that could be paid for with SPLOST funds include: the creation of natural gas filling station — to fuel busses and various city vehicles with compressed natural gas — upgrades to City Hall and the Averitt Center for the Arts, and the creation of a multi-purpose venue downtown to host the city’s farmer’s market and various other downtown events.
    Bulloch County estimates spending approximately $14.8 million on road, street and bridge projects, $9 million on capital outlay projects for economic development, and a combined $10.5 million for public safety and recreational facilities/equipment, according to the agreement.
    City and County representatives agreed to present a referendum for the SPLOST extension one year earlier than needed — citizens will vote November 8 this year — to avoid negative sentiment concerning a one-cent transportation tax that will be voted on in 2012 from extending to the 2013 SPLOST.
   
    Jeff Harrison can be reached at 912-489-9454.