How Houston 2012 SPLOST Money Would Be Spent | News

Houston County voters go the polls in about a month and half to vote on a penny sales tax.

According to Houston County's website, it would generate $155 million for projects throughout the county.

The money would be allocated between five geographic areas of the county.

39-percent of the $155 million pie will go to projects that benefit the entire county. Those projects include buying land at the end of Robins Air Force Base to stop encroachment and a new emergency radio system.

The City of Warner Robins gets the second largest slice or 29-percent.

Mayor Chuck Shaheen says the big ticket items include a new recreation complex, $4.5 to finish the law enforcement center, including furniture, and $4.7 million for city hall and civic center renovations.

Asked about the renovations, Shaheen said, "The air conditioning goes out in the summer. The heater goes out in the winter. We've got leaks that are coming down the walls. We would insulate here to make sure it's environmentally friendly. If you look at the Civic Center, it's not ADA (American with Disabilities Act) compatible. It's very difficult for people to walk down the steps."

Unincorporated parts of Houston County, meaning places such as Elko and Bonaire, would get 23-percent of the pie.

This includes another entry to Robins Air Force Base, equipment for the sheriff's office and security upgrades at the court house.

Perry would get about 6-percent of the money for recreation, paying off debt and building another fire station.

The smallest piece goes to Centerville with 3-percent. Their big project would be building a law enforcement center to replace the current police department.

Houston county voters can have their say on March 6th.