Group Rallies Against SPLOST

Despite rain, a few Cobb County citizens gathered on Saturday in Marietta to oppose the potential special purpose local option sales tax as part of an "Ax the Tax" rally.

James Bell, director of the rally's sponsor, the Georgia Taxpayers Alliance, opened the proceedings with a reminder of the March 15 vote and a rundown of his group's contention that past SPLOST money has been misspent.

One example he mentioned: the recent removal of trees that were planted along Piedmont Road, which will be replaced with new trees as part of an appropriation in the new SPLOST.

According to rally participants, the annual cost of the 1 percent sales is about $600 a year for Cobb County residents, totaling more than $600 million over the next four years.

Cobb resident Tricia Clements offered her own samples of waste, including the $1 million-plus study of a proposed light rail system. The study, she said, could be completed at a much cheaper price.

Other speakers referenced the use of residents living in the county illegally to build the new Superior Courthouse building. Phrases such as “taxed enough" and “slush fund” were common comments.

Supporters and county officials argue that 30 percent of SPLOST funds come from non-Cobb residents, which hardly placated opponents at the rally. They said money could be better spent by the families that live in Cobb if they were allowed to keep it in their own pockets.

Opponents of the SPLOST have scheduled a second "Ax the Tax" gathering for March 13 at 1 p.m. in hopes of better weather. 

Advance voting is scheduled for Monday through Friday at select locations. A flyer that includes those locations and times is attached to this article. There is no voting on March 14.

For voting locations for the March 15 voting day, click here. 

To read more on SPLOST, click here.