Dear editor,

In July of 2012, Bryan County overwhelmingly passed the special purpose local option sales tax for transportation, or TSPLOST, so we could raise funds to improve our roads and other transportation related infrastructure. The only problem was that a majority of our neighboring counties voted against this TSPLOST referendum. 

Unfortunately, Bryan County was part of a 10-county coastal region and the majority (eight out of 10) of the region’s counties voted against the TSLOST.  Other regions around our state passed the TSPLOST and they have truly benefited greatly through new road projects. 

The Georgia Legislature through Senate bill 369 is now giving individual counties the opportunity through local referendum to decide for themselves if they wish to improve their roads and infrastructure. 

Therefore, on May 22, or during early voting, Bryan County’s registered voters will have the opportunity to vote on a TSPLOST that will generate around $18 million or more over the next five years to be used for Bryan County’s transportation-related projects. 

These road projects are definitely needed and the only other alternative way to fund these projects would be to raise the millage rate, which would generate funds through higher property taxes. The TSPLOST is a 1 percent sales tax that will be paid by all shoppers in the county – meaning a percentage of revenues will also come from non-county residents. 

We have experienced record growth over the past few years, and this TSPLOST will give Bryan County the necessary funds to upgrade existing or build new roads, commence resurfacing projects, facilitate traffic flows, install round-abouts and more. 

In summary, Bryan County passed this TSPLOST before and now we have the chance to pass it again. A “yes” vote will insure a much-needed improvement on the very roads that we travel every day.  Ultimately, it will improve our quality of life on a daily basis.

Sean Register,

Bryan County taxpayer and Bryan County Development Authority board member