Augusta officials and city department directors present new wish list for SPLOST
Despite the unforgiving temperature in Augusta reaching a staggering 100 degree range, the city’s elected officials and department directors have begun outlining their wish lists for potential environmental and city improvements. With the previous SPLOST number eight not yet complete, plans for the ninth SPLOST package are already under way.
These plans aim to enhance the quality of life for the city’s citizens by improving infrastructure and other necessary public services. However, there is an ongoing debate regarding some of the items that do not directly contribute to this objective. Voters must approve the whole package, even if some items don’t cater to their specific needs or preferences.
The SPLOST funds only cover the building cost, not the maintenance of the infrastructure. Unknown to many taxpayers, additional taxes are levied to facilitate maintenance which raises the question about transparency regarding proper utilization of these SPLOST funds.
Under the microscope: Items on the new SPLOST wish list
The proposed items for the SPLOST 9 package cover a wide spectrum of needs, including infrastructural, environmental, and recreational requirements for Augusta’s citizens. A deep dive into the wish list reveals the focus areas for the elected officials. Here are some of them:
- Water Park: Already having received $5 million in SPLOST 8, the water park project needs another $8 to $10 million to get up and running, according to the interim Central Services Director. However, a point of contention arises as there seems to be no specified location for the park, which can potentially lead to inflated costs.
- Augusta Marriott and Convention Center: The Convention Center’s management cited potential clients moving to other cities due to lack of space, and to counter this, they have requested $42 million to expand and add 300 parking spaces to their existing deck.
- Richmond County Correctional Institution (RCCI): Already allocated funds in SPLOST 8, the RCCI needs approximately another $14 million to complete the build, mainly owing to its current deplorable conditions.
- Charles B Webster Detention Center: The center is requesting funding for additional 192-bed pods estimated at $70 million due to overcrowding issues and outdated infrastructure.
- City Pools and Diamond Lakes: A plan to replace city pools with splash pads is in the works, which could potentially reduce costs and liability. On the other hand, there is a proposal for a $15 million plan for Diamond Lakes, the details of which remain unknown.
- City Cemeteries: A hefty $10 million has been requested for road paving, drainage repair, tree removal, and overall repair and maintenance of the city’s three cemeteries.
- Multi-gym Athletics Complex: An estimated $30 million has been proposed to build a new athletics complex, presumably luring premier sports events like the Nike Peach Jam
- Animal Services Expansion: A $5.5 million budget has been requested to expand animal services though questions arise due to the current high rate of animal euthanasia in the city.
These SPLOST items, along with numerous others, warrant close scrutiny from voters. Taxpayers must stay informed and hold City officials accountable for proper utilization of funds. Remember, this is your hard-earned money at work!
