As a retiree living in fast-growing South Hall, I am especially mindful of any increase in my property tax burden. Thats why I support the continuation of the Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax, or SPLOST.

For nearly 35 years, this one-penny sales tax has been in place to cover the cost of essential infrastructure for our community like police, fire and emergency vehicles, fire stations, sewer systems and roadways. It’s also covered quality of life projects like the proposed land purchase for a new senior center and park in South Hall that’s under this next round of SPLOST.

Be truthful. Have you really felt any pain covering the cost of $670 million in SPLOST projects dating back to 1985?

The answer is no, and one reason you haven’t is because the sales tax is shared by our friends outside Hall County who work or play here.

Now, try to imagine using property taxes instead to replace the SPOST. No way. No how.

That’s why I’m voting yes to support keeping SPLOST in place for another six years. And I encourage all my senior friends to to do the same.

Bill Sanders

Gainesville