I am writing in response to the “Pennyworth” letter that appeared in the Wednesday, November 1, 2023 Times Enterprise. It is my purpose to correct misrepresentations made by Mr. “Pennyworth” and to set the record straight regarding the Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) referendum that is on the ballot next Tuesday, November 7th.

1. “Nicholas Pennyworth” is a name made up by someone wanting to hide their identity. If I am wrong about this I would like to meet with Mr. “Pennyworth” personally and explain how the Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) actually works.

2. It has been said “taxes are the price we pay for living in a civilized society” and local taxes are the price we pay for living in a fine community like Thomasville and Thomas County.

3. When we get right down to the heart of the matter, that is exactly what the SPLOST referendum is really all about. It takes investment in public capital to keep that quality of life we currently enjoy.

4. Mr. “Pennyworth” claims the County has not spent sales tax funds properly. All County finances are audited annually by the firm of Lanigan and Associates. According to our most recent audit there were no negative findings regarding any part of County finances in general and special purpose sales tax funds, particularly. That audit also found the “County continues to maintain a strong financial condition.”

5. The special purposes proposed in the referendum are consistent with Georgia law and the ballot language presented, directly quotes Georgia law.

6. Mr. “Pennyworth” claims the County is wasteful with public funds. Thomas County is currently receiving the same amount of property taxes it received 10 years ago. The increase in sales tax received has been used to offset the effects of inflation on County expenses allowing us to operate at the same level of property tax.

7. Mr. “Pennyworth” claims the County Commissioners got “their feelings hurt” and terminated the animal control contract with the Humane Society. In fact, the Humane Society proposed an unlimited cost, non-negotiable contract with an ultimatum for approval by December 31st. The fiscally prudent County Commissioners declined the Humane Society “offer” and turned animal control over to the Thomas County Sheriff’s Office. Thomas County citizens now receive prompt professional animal services. The new County animal shelter will be paid for with those same surplus sales tax funds Mr. “Pennyworth” mentioned.

8. Mr. “Pennyworth” claims the County Commissioners were sneaky in their putting the referendum on an election with a low voter turnout like the one this year. The truth is the SPLOST referendum has been approved seven times and has been held on election days with heavier turnout. In fact, the only time a Thomas County sales tax got voted down, was in March 2005 when the SPLOST issue was on the ballot by itself.

Capital improvements in local government facilities, buildings, roads, vehicles, and equipment are vital to maintaining the quality of life we currently enjoy in our community. If the voters fail to approve the continuation of the special purpose sales tax, one of two things will occur: a) the quality of local government services provided will be compromised or, b) local governments will have to raise proper taxes to purchase those vital capital improvements. Neither of those outcomes is good for our community.

-Michael J. Stephenson, County Manager