Jones Co. Commissioners, Gray City Council Discuss SPLOST

GRAY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A renovated library, a new animal control facility, and more green space in the county: these are just some of the ideas that could be on the upcoming SPLOST ballot in Jones County.

Wednesday evening, Jones County Commissioners and the Gray City Council met for the first in a series of meetings to discuss SPLOST budget decisions.

Both governments’ budgets rely on the penny tax to fund many projects that can’t be covered otherwise.

A percentage of the tax revenue goes to the city, while the rest goes to the county.

With so much money at stake, even a few percentage points mean millions.

The City Council, along with newly-elected Mayor Stephen Tingen, pushed for the same percentage of revenue the city has received in the past.

However, with new budget constraints, the county says the previous percentage may not be possible.

“I feel like they understand our perspective a little more and see how investing in the city–how that really helps the county,” said Gray Mayor Stephen Tingen. “I think they were receptive as receptive as they can be in the position that they’re in. With any shortcomings in budget you have got to make cuts.”

“And I believe the city is receptive,” said Jones County Commissioner Daylon Martin. “They understand the challenges that we have, and they’re also fighting for their constituents and the projects that they need.”

Martin went on to say the city and county could share costs on multiple projects that would help the city bear the lower percentage of tax revenue.

Tingen held a hopeful attitude for future meetings, saying that an investment in the city is a great way to help the entire county.