There’s a growing discontent among a number of Lee Countians over what some say is “frivolous spending” of funds collected through voter-approved special-purpose local-option sales taxes.

Some voters in one of the state’s fastest growing counties have vowed not to support the 1 percent tax when it comes up for renewal in March of 2011 in the form of a ballot referendum.

A look at the projects under consideration (and projected costs) for a SPLOST VI referendum that Lee County voters will approve or reject in March, 2011. If approved, the 1 percent special tax would be in effect for the next six years:

Roads and bridges — $12 million

Wastewater treatment plant — $5.5 million

Sheriff’s department vehicles — $900,000

Replacement ambulances — $450,000

Library/conference center — $1.5 million

Recreation/sports complex — $3 million

Ag center — $3 million

Smithville library renovations — $200,000

Geographic information system — $250,000

Public Works equipment — $200,000

Fire Department equipment — $200,000

Stormwater project — $ 1 million

Sheriff’s office addition — $900,000

Superior Court document storage — $200,000

New water/sewer lines — $1.5 million

TOTAL AMOUNT: $30,800,000.

But county officials say residents should rethink their opposition to the special tax if they want to maintain the services provided by the county without raising property taxes.

Read more: Albany Herald