McDonough discusses SPLOST IV and SPLOST V

The McDonough city council heard updates at their November council meeting about the current status of SPLOST IV projects in the city. They also previewed the upcoming SPLOST V program.

SPLOST IV was adopted by voters in 2013, started collections in April 2014, and ends collections in March 2020. The city of McDonough has spent $10.2 million to date on projects.

Completed projects include the Avalon Park expansion, roundabout in front of McDonough Middle School, $2.2 million in public safety vehicles and upgrades, Phillips Drive improvements, and sidewalks on Bridges Road. The city has also resurfaced 41 streets in four years.

The city has the following funds remaining:

• Cultural, Recreational, or Historical facilities – $1.65 million
• Alexander Park West – $369,254
• Alexander Park East – $40,000
• Jonesboro Road Park – $473,819
• Public Safety – $0 (complete)
• Sidewalks – $579,463
• Road Resurfacing – $1.4 million
• McDonough Parkway north – $750,000
• SR 20 at Lawrenceville/ McGarity – $300,000
• McDonough Housing Authority – $500,000

Discussion among council members focused on McDonough Parkway north, and what city administrator Keith Dickerson described as “no [showing] of good faith” to complete the project by Henry County. He proposed McDonough reallocate the $750,000 to other roadway projects since the county did not budget sufficient funding in SPLOST V to complete the roadway.

The council is expected to revisit the possible budget amendment at their December 9 meeting after discussing the project with county staff and commissioners. Henry County originally budgeted $8 million for the project in SPLOST V, but the amount was reduced to $1.5 million in the final project list. The project is shovel ready to start construction pending sufficient funding.

SPLOST V

SPLOST V was approved by voters last month and starts collections in April 2020. Because Henry County opted to select level two projects, it will be an estimated sixteen to eighteen months before McDonough and the other cities receive funds.

To counteract the delay in funding until fall 2021, Mr. Dickerson suggested the council borrow funds against either the general fund or impact fees that would be paid back later when SPLOST V collections are received. More information about that option is also expected at the December council meeting.