Dear Mr. Pritchard: How are we paying on something that was 100% paid off? —John S. Quarterman

I sent this today. -jsq

From: John S. Quarterman <[email protected]>
Cc: [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected]
Subject: How are we paying on something that was 100% paid off?

Dear Mr. Pritchard,

You may recall that at the Lowndes County Commission meeting of the 8th of January 2013, I asked the following:

"When this building complex was opened in 2010, the county put out a double-sheet flyer saying it was completely paid off out of SPLOST money, with zero dollars owed. I'm wondering how it is that then, either in November or December, the Commission just before your one here, refinanced bonds that included I think it was six or seven million dollars for this very building complex? I'm very confused by that. I wonder if someone could clarify how we're paying on something that was completely 100% paid off with zero owed."

I asked Commissioner Crawford Powell this question at the going-away reception for former Chairman Ashley Paulk on 14 December 2012, and he referred me to you for an answer. It has been more than two weeks since I asked in a Commission Regular Session and I have received no answer. So I ask again.

Specifically:

What bonds or other debt are outstanding on the Lowndes County Judicial/Administration Complex or any part of it?

How is any and all such debt to be paid for, specifically by sales tax, property tax, license fees, or other means?

How can there be any debt when the flyer distributed by the County in November 2010, image attached to this message, said these things about the costs of that complex:

"100% Paid by SPLOST"

and

"$0 Balance Owed"

Please provide copies of any financial instruments involved in any such debt, and a paper trail leading from zero dollars owed to all such debt, including relevant correspondence.

I look forward to your answers or timetable within three business days. Any document copies you can send by electronic mail or make available in electronic form on a USB stick or CD/ROM would be most appreciated. I will be happy to pay reasonable copying fees for any paper documents and any other reasonable administrative costs.

-jsq
John S. Quarterman
6565 Quarterman Road (residence)
3338 Country Club Road #L336
Valdosta, GA 31605 (postal)
229-242-0102
[email protected]

Cc: Chairman Slaughter and Commissioners Evans, Raines, Powell, Marshall, and Page.