Project ideas are sought

It was a chance to hear about possible Columbia County projects and an opportunity for the public to tell officials what they think should be included in a Capital Improvement Projects list.

The meeting at the Evans Government Center on Thursday night was the first of three public sessions where county officials will discuss the possibility of tackling a list of needed projects with a $40 million bond issue that would be voted on by the public.

Officials also are looking for public input to include in a preliminary list of projects, which won't be finalized by commissioners until after the public meetings.

The two other meetings are scheduled for 6 p.m. May 11 at the Eubanks Blanchard Community Center and 6 p.m. June 8 at the Evans Government Center auditorium.

The idea is to fund a long list of needed improvements such as stormwater and transportation work with a $40 million bond, which would have to be approved by voters in a November referendum.

It likely would be paid back over 12 years with a one mill increase in the county's millage - about an extra $40 a year in property tax on a $100,000 home.

At Thursday's meeting, Brian Hall, a county resident who lives on Hinton Wilson Road, said it's a measure he might support if his road is included.

"I'm supporting anything that gets that road paved," he said.

County commissioners, who have said several stormwater and transportation projects are long overdue, have already had a consultant compile a preliminary list of projects.

That list includes $11,081,230 for transportation projects, $8.6 million in stormwater work, $6.5 million in recreation needs and $7.9 million for such things as buildings and emergency services.

At Thursday night's meeting, residents were asked to offer suggestions for other projects by filling out a survey.

The survey also is available on the county's Web site, www.columbiacountyga.gov.

The surveys can be faxed to (706) 868-3348 or mailed to County Administrator, P.O. Box 498, Evans, GA 30809.