The Henry County SPLOST VI program is slated to be on the ballot this November, but first, the county must decide which projects to include in the program. Here are seven new buildings projects that SPLOST VI could fund.
The SPLOST program is a one-cent local sales tax. The tax collections pay for capital projects and road improvements within Henry County.
Possible SPLOST VI Buildings Projects
Henry County formed a SPLOST VI committee this winter to consider possible projects. Since January, the committee has heard presentations from various county departments. Here is a look at some of those possible projects.
New Animal Care Building
Henry County Animal Control has outgrown their current building, and they are in need of a new larger space. Their current building, constructed in 2005, measures 9,100 square feet on 2.5 acres. It has space for 100 dogs, 60 cats and a livestock yard. During the last twelve months, the department has operated above capacity for 8 of those 12 months. In addition, their calls for service have increased 16% from 2021 to 2023. Animal intakes are similarly up 17% in the same time period.
New Libraries
The Henry County Library System last opened a new branch location in 2009. Meanwhile, the county has added 55,000 residents since then. The library has requested the county consider two new libraries in the following locations:
- New Library in the Ola vicinity / district 3
- New Library in the Eagles Landing vicinity / district 4
Senior Megaplex
Henry County Senior Services is looking to purchase property for what they are calling a ”senior megaplex.” This is intended to be a one-stop location for senior activities within the county. Examples could include a bowling alley, swimming pool, pickleball courts and movie theater.
The senior services department is requesting funds to purchase property and design the facility only in SPLOST VI. They would subsequently ask for construction funding in a later SPLOST program.
Replace Hidden Valley Senior Center
Also from senior services, the department is requesting funds to replace Hidden Valley Senior Center. The senior center in Fairview was built in 2001. They are looking to build a new senior center.
New Recreation Center
Right now, Henry County is building a new recreation center at North Mt. Carmel Park. This is located in the Dutchtown community. Parks & recreation are requesting funds to build a second new recreation center in the Ola area.
New Golf Course
Though not a new building, another major project being considered would construct a new golf course. In fall 2023, Henry County closed Cotton Fields Golf Course to make way for the new aquatic center and public safety training campus. Since then, local golfers have been asking for a new county-owned option. The SPLOST committee is considering a request to build a new golf course at Nash Farm Park.
Indoor Pickleball Facility
Finally, parks & recreation has asked to build an indoor pickleball facility. Not much info is available right now about this project, such as its possible location or size.
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Project Costs
The SPLOST VI committee has not yet considered cost estimates for the above projects. Based on recent construction costs, new buildings can be in the tens of millions. The county’s new aquatic center in McDonough has construction costs over $50 million dollars. The new recreation center at North Mt. Carmel Park is costing $16.8 million dollars.
Some examples we can consider outside of the county include a new animal care shelter in Fulton County. It opened in fall 2023 at a cost of $40 million dollars. Also opening last fall, Gwinnett County completed a new library at a cost of $10.2 million.
Henry County staff said at the most recent SPLOST committee meeting they will be sharing project cost estimates with the committee soon.
Your Thoughts
What are your thoughts which buildings projects the SPLOST VI committee should consider? Take the brief survey below.
Featured image shows county officials and staff at the North Mt Carmel Recreation Center groundbreaking. Henry County photo.
