Dawson SPLOST referendum set for March

DAWSONVILLE - Dawson County voters will be asked March 2nd to approve a $24.5 million extension of the county's Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax.

If the referendum passes, the money will be used for construction of a new jail, a gym at the Rock Creek Sports Complex, and, new roads, bridges, and sidewalks.

The sales tax will also be used
for emergency services improvements and for payment on debt service, among other things.

According to County Manager Bill Johnsa, the breakdown is as follows:

- Law Enforcement Complex: Includes a 240- bed jail, and will house all
functions of the Dawson County Sheriff's Office ( Administration, criminal investigative divisiion, E-9-1-1, Animal
Control and Patrol)- $11.5 million (prefunded with General Obligation
Sales Tax Bonds).

- Park and Recreation Multi-Purpose Facility: Includes 25,00-29,000 sq.
ft. encompassing two full-size basketball courts, administrative space, meeting rooms,
aerobics and crafts area(s) and a fall-out shelter - $2.5 million
(prefunded with General Obligation Sales Tax Bonds).

- Roads and Bridges: $5.5 million, which includes $500,000 for the city of Dawsonville's sidewalk program.

- Emergency Services: Includes capital items (ambulances, fire
pumpers), fire hydrants and water storage tanks, and fire station
construction) - three million dollars

- County Administration. Includes acquisition of property for future
government expansion- two million dollars.

Johson says the county commission is expected to take a final vote on the proposed referendum and list of projects at a meeting on December 18.