Colbert council talks sales tax funding

Colbert City Council members discussed the upcoming November sales tax referendum at their March 1 meeting.

The city received $265,000 over the past six years from the 2008 special purpose local option sales tax (SPLOST), which will be up for renewal later this year.

The county is projecting $12.5 to $12.6 million in total revenue over the next six years if SPLOST is renewed. This is roughly the same amount generated over the past six years.

If Colbert gets $265,000 over the next six years, the council plans to use 30 percent of the money on building improvements, with a concentration on the old city school, 30 percent on roads and signs and 40 percent on water projects.

In other matters March 1, the council heard from city attorney Dale Perry, who said he spent a day recently at the state Capitol and that the council’s bill to change council terms from two to four years has been introduced to the legislature.

The council learned that Gateway Grant funds, totaling $23,897, have been received. The group agreed not to rent the old city gym due to a sagging floor. Councilman Bert Robinson made a motion to have the sills checked out to see what is needed to repair the floor.

The city received permission from CSX Railroad to construct a water line under the railroad tracks.

The council agreed to allow Mayor Chris Peck to make a decision on the city’s insurance policy after quotes are received.