The Long County Commission Tuesday decided to ask voters to approve a special purpose local option sales tax that could raise $3.5 million.
The SPLOST would last for six years and proceeds will be spent on five areas:
• $336,000 for city of Ludowici road, street and bridge improvements and to buy of equipment
• $1,764,000 on county road, street and bridge improvements and equipment
• $875,000 for the recreation complex
• $84,000 to the city of Ludowici for public safety vehicles and equipment
• $441,000 for public safety vehicles and equipment for the county.
Officials announced they are getting closer to hiring a county administrator, according to a report by Coastal Regional Commission Executive Director Allen Burns who is helping with recruiting.
Burns said that a field of 20 good applicants had been narrowed to a handful of excellent candidates. Interviews are expected to begin May 9.
Commission Chairman Mike Riddle said up to $80,000 was budgeted for the county administrator’s post. Commissioners discussed the additional costs that hiring an administrator will incur beyond salary. Office equipment, telephones, a vehicle and other things will be needed. Commissioner Bobby Warren said salary and fringe benefits will cost around $110,000.
In a split vote, commissioners granted county employees an additional four paid holidays. Employees will be off on July 3 in connection with Independence Day. Another new holiday will be Oct. 6, providing a four-day weekend for Columbus Day.