The City of Madison has drawn up its wish list for projects to be funded by another Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) referendum Morgan County is expected to place on the ballot March 13, 2024.
According to City Manager John Klimm, collection of SPLOST VIII sales tax revenue will begin on April 1, 2025, and continue until March 31, 2031, if voters approve the measure.
Klimm said the decision is being made early to ensure proper financial planning is done.
SPLOST VIII is expected to generate at least $46.6 million in revenue for Morgan County with 22.13 percent or $10.3 million going to the City of Madison. The City of Rutledge will receive 4.33 percent, the City of Bostwick 1.88 and .97 percent will be earmarked for to the Town of Buckhead.
Madison would spend its share on the following:
• Park Restrooms--$800,000
• Park Improvements and Maintenance -- $1,170,000
• Vehicles and Mobile Equipment -- $1,930,000
• Transportation Development and Maintenance -- $200,000
• Greenspace Acquisition -- $500,000
• PublicSafety Equipment & Infrastructure Improvements-- $500,000 Morgan County will retain 70.69 percent of the revenue.
Klimm said that SPLOST VII was earmarked for five categories In Madison, including transportation development and maintenance, buildings, vehicles and mobile equipment, park improvements and maintenance and parks and greenspace acquisition.
Klimm said that two major areas for distribution of future SPLOST funds have been identified, including the construction of a new fire station.
According to Klimm, a recently completed independent audit of city services determined that the level of service and dedication exhibited by the Madison Fire Department is second to none. Klimm said Madison should provide state of the art equipment and buildings for those who serve the city in that capacity.
“It’s a credit to the pride and dedication of our mostly volunteer fire department,” Klimm said. “A new fire station is justified and needed to keep response times down with the projected growth of the city.”
Klimm said the second area that needs attention are Madison’s city parks.
“Some need attention,” Klimm said. “They need to be a community asset that we can be proud of. Every single park needs to be one we can be proud of.”
The city also plans to spend $500,000 on greenspace acquisition.
With two years left on the remaining SPLOST collectin and revenues much higher than anticipated, Klimm is recommending the city purchase a fire truck with surplus funds, because fire trucks need to be ordered and the process can take as long as four years.
Klimm also said that Wellington Park needs repairs and new playground equipment, as well as improvements to the basketball court and picnic areas.
“We think the need is so great that we shouldn’t wait until 2025,” Klimm said.
The city may also purchase a vehicle for the sanitation department because the recycling provider is no longer interested in providing services in Madison. Madison plans to upgrade its recycling programs to include glass and would take over responsibility for all recycling operations.
In addition, Engineer Aaron Wadley said the city is currently working on a stormwater utility program with Inversa Systems. The engineering firm will map the entire system and help design the utility program.
In other business, the city council reappointed Sherri Aynn Collins to the Public Arts Commission and also named Helene Roberts as a new member.
Chris Hodges, the former District 5 representative on city council was appointed to the Historic Preservation Commission to replace Flynn Clyburn who recently moved away from Madison.
“It’s always good when former council members want to continue to serve,” Mayor Fred Perriman said.
Councilmembers expressed gratitude for the quality of candidates who have applied for posts on community service boards.