Cave Spring Council discusses SPLOST wishlist, gets update on city charter legislation

Tuesday, Mar. 14, 2023–9:33 p.m.

-David Crowder, WRGA News-

Rob Ware

The City of Cave Spring is finalizing its wish list for funding from a special purpose, local option sales tax. A vote to continue to the current SPLOST is set for this November.

The city is asking for $3 million to help defray the cost of a $10 million dollar water system project.

“The success of getting a project approved depends on how many people it will benefit,” Mayor Rob Ware said. “This is a project that would not only benefit Cave Spring but citizens in Floyd County, as well.”

Another need is around $200,000 to fix the leaky roof at the former Cave Spring Elementary School. The cost is around $200,000 but a firm estimate is expected to be finalized before the deadline for SPLOST applications on March 31. The city purchased the building from the Floyd County Board of Education last year for $40,000. The roof in the gym has developed a lean and there is concern the floor could be ruined unless the roof is replaced.

Another project that could be included is $1 million for improvements to Rolater Park. However, that would be contingent on an agreement being worked with the park board. Mayor Rob Ware said specifics are needed in order to have a project included.

Councilman Tom Lindsey proposed including the park improvements, which could include renovations to the Hearn Inn, replacing the fence around the pool, and rewiring the cave with new LED lights.

“All of these improvements will be seen by all the visitors to our community,” Lindsey said.

Councilman Jason West thinks park improvements are a good idea, but wishes there was more time to hammer out the specifics.

The park could be so much more than what it is,” he said. “I just wish we could have started talking about this months ago.”

However, Mayor Ware stressed that there have to be specifics and there must be a mechanism in place to make all these improvements happen. That’s why he is asking for a letter from the park board signifying that they are on board with the project.

Cave Spring Charter could be set for legislative vote soon

A change to the Cave Spring City Charter appears to be headed to a vote under the Gold Dome.

The revision to the charter would allow the city to transition to a city manager form of government.

“It is my understanding that it is on track to be approved in both the House and Senate, and then hopefully be signed by the governor,” Mayor Rob Ware told the Cave Spring City Council Tuesday.

Under the plan, there would still be five council members, elected by the voters in Cave Spring. Each year, the council would select a chair. A city manager would be hired to handle the business of the city.

The council is seeking the change during this legislative session in order to get it done before the next mayoral election slated for November.

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