Franklin Co. Commission Approves Bond, SPLOST Resolutions

By MJ Kneiser, WLHR Radio, Lavonia

Franklin County Commissioners have approved the election results for the next special purpose local option sales tax and the bond referendum.

At its work session last week, the Franklin County Commission heard from County Manager Beth Thomas, who instructed the board to pass both resolutions so the process of issuing the bonds could begin.

“The board must act tonight because of the shortened timeframe is to vote to accept the results of the election,” Thomas said. “It’s just a formality, but is something that has to be done in order for Bubba to take his next steps.”

According to Franklin County Attorney Bubba Samuels, those next steps include a bond validation hearing next month along with advertising the issuance of the bonds.

“It is a very rapid process,” Samuels explained. “The hearing has to happen within 20 days of the date that you file the action. I will be filing the case tomorrow (Wednesday). I’ve spoken with the Clerk and I’ve spoken with the Judge and have a received a bond validation hearing date of December 14th at 9:15 a.m.”

Samuels said a notice of the hearing also has to be published in the local paper for the next two weeks.

He said the hearing will give the public an opportunity to voice concerns or objections to the issuance of the bonds.

After that, the judge is expected to approve the issuance of the bonds.

After hearing from Thomas and Samuels, the Franklin County Commission voted unanimously to approve both the bond and SPLOST resolutions.

The SPLOST resolution approval allows Franklin County to move forward with planning and funding proposed projects listed in the next SPLOST.