Not enough details on SPLOST III

The Henry County Board of Commissioners adopted a sketchy list of transportation projects that shows no budget or timeline information.The wording that concerns me is "Road, street and bridge improvements including, without limitation ..."

The county commissioners did not list any second-tier projects in case county revenues actually exceed $240 million. Without limitation? Does that mean some projects may be adopted later? Are revenues to be used for discretionary spending?

The absence of budget figures in the adopted transportation project list is worrisome. Budgets are listed for capital projects. I know they used spreadsheets to arrive at allocation of each district's funds. But without revealing details to voters what can we really know?

In the cities, Stockbridge is dedicating $27 million to public works and redevelopment efforts. Among McDonough's largest projects is Alexander Park at $7 million.

But hey, Stockbridge made their plans clear by using eminent domain and getting a lot of news coverage. And McDonough's councilwoman Gail Notti has been pitching a butterfly house for a long time.

The 5% expense for operation and management is shown as a deduction from Transportation, making that true percent only 65% of revenues! Most people expected at least 75% to 80% going to Transportation. Something else not stated is the cost of issuing the bonds or interest or fees associated with that debt. Will that cost also be deducted from Transportation?

The county has already spent over $14 million at Heritage Park. I cannot guess at costs for Moseley, but it will get even more funds in the new SPLOST.The Intergovernmental agreement binds the county and cities, but it is not even referenced in the ballot we will vote on. Exactly what are we voting on?

The ballot question. Conflicting project lists. No published details. In earlier, SPLOST referendums, voters have approved vague statements that resulted in "maybe" and "what if."So long as we accept this behavior with our votes, they do not have to be accountable.