The Pickens Report – Spotlighting SPLOST

September 2019

On Tuesday, November 5^th polls will open at 7am – 7pm for voters across the county. Voters who reside in Jasper, Nelson, and Talking Rock will have several municipal officers to elect and county-wide voters will see the SPLOST (Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax) referendum up for renewal on the ballot. Early voting will be available weekdays at the Board of Elections located on Pioneer Road starting October 14^th through November 1^st (8am-5pm). The current SPLOST began July 1, 2014 and will end June 30, 2020. Here is a look at many of the ways the current SPLOST funds have been utilized.

County Roads, Street & Bridge Projects: $11,156,522 – 157.85 miles of road resurfacing

Public Safety

Fire & EMS: $3,383,201 – purchased and equipped two 3000-gallon Super Tankers and two Fire Engines / constructed new Moss Fire Station (Carlan Road) and Tate Fire Station (in progress) / purchased breathing apparatus and turnout gear for personnel / laptops and mounts for vehicles

Sheriff’s Office: $899,235 – purchased and equipped 10 – 2015 Ford Explorers, 6 – 2018 Ford Explorers and 4 Chevrolet Silverados

Water: $426,594 – purchased materials for water line additions and improvements to infrastructure

City of Jasper: $4,662,166

City of Nelson: $566,454

City of Talking Rock: $51,284

During the month of September, the Water Department installed nine new meters. The Department of Planning and Development issued 41 new building permits. The 911 Operations Center received 1,840 total calls, 767 were medical responses and fire related. PCRD is still offering basketball registration until October 13^th with a late registration period October 14-16. If you need additional information or would like to sign up contact 706-253-8863. Public Works resealed Monument Road, Old Grandview Road, and Bessie Lane. Additionally, they resurfaced Pendley Road and Old Whitestone East. They also made all necessary repairs to Grandview Road. Subcontractor crews are scheduled to begin resurfacing roads on the phase two paving list next week.

The Pickens County government departments continue to stay busy working for the citizens of Pickens County. The Pickens County Board of Commissioners continue to do a great job of leading these efforts. As work progresses, and projects continue, I will do my best to keep you informed of these developments.

Until the next time, stay safe, and shop local!

Content Admin