Banks County citizens would have to give their vote of approval at a special referendum election next year. If voters do not approve the measure, the county would lose a significant source of revenue, commissioners say. A large portion of sales tax revenue generated in Banks County is paid by residents of other counties, who shop at Banks Crossing retail outlets, Dumas said. Some projects have been completed, some are under way and others have not yet begun. Decisions made this year and next will determine which major projects the county will undertake through 2006.
Nobody likes to hear that, but it has to be done soon.
Another large portion, perhaps 22 percent, should fund road paving and improvement projects, Rogers said. Westmoreland's thoughts are focused on road improvements, the fire department and county recreation. The county should also improve the recreation department's playing fields, tennis court and track, Westmoreland said. Dumas believes the gymnasium could be a multi-purpose facility with space for summer day camp programs for area youth, for example. In a move to end the problem of people moving out without paying their water bills, the Alto City Council voted unanimously last week to up the deposit required to open a water account.