Dear editor: This is the definition of SPLOST in Georgia per Wikipedia: “In the U.S. state of Georgia, a special-purpose local-option sales tax (SPLOST) can be levied by any county, for the purpose of funding the building and maintenance of parks, schools, roads and other public facilities. Georgia’s state sales tax is currently 4 percent (groceries and prescription drugs exempted), with the counties allowed to add up to 2 percent more for SPLOST.”
This is my take on it in Bryan County: So, we have a basic definition of what it is and what it can do. In the near future, we will have to vote on an extension for it here in Bryan County.
It is said to be a 1 percent local option sales tax. A list of proposed projects is to be forthcoming from our commissioners. In the past, that has included such notable items as the new administrative complex and recreational facilities at Henderson Park on the south end of the county.
Not included in that list of projects as a wish list are any new boat ramps for lower Bryan. In fact, all that are here are funded in the main part by the state of Georgia. While up the coast, Chatham County has a number of county-funded boat ramps.
Why is it that we do not have any on the Intracoastal side of lower Bryan down the 15-mile stretch of that waterway? Do the commissioners not realize that recreational fishing is the largest sport in America? In the past they have said that there is no land available for such use and that even if there was, they do not have the funds for a ramp on that side of Bryan Neck.
Now, what about adding a ramp to the wish list? Is the old Fishermen’s Co-op not in bankruptcy, and is there not a state Wildlife Management Area next to it? That could be a source, and site for a new ramp.
Regardless of location, we do need a boat ramp on the other side of Bryan Neck. Do we not have enough athletic fields but not enough boat ramps to accommodate the public? Come on commissioners, give us what we want and we will vote for the funding.

James Newman
Richmond Hill