VIDALIA &045; How much would a tax increase for recreation facilities cost the average Vidalia homeowner?

Less than the cost of taking a family of four to the movies, according to Mayor Hyram Copeland.

Vidalia aldermen voted Tuesday to approve a Jan. 15, 2005, ballot measure to raise property taxes by 15 mills to pay for a new recreation facility.

The current property tax rate is 3.49 mills. The proposal on January’s ballot would mean property owners whose houses are valued at under $30,000 &045; which accounts for the majority of Vidalia homeowners &045; would pay an additional $38 per year in property taxes.

Many in the audience at Tuesday’s regular meeting were in favor of the new recreation complex, which would be about 80 acres and would include baseball, softball and soccer fields and basketball courts, as well as other facilities. Proposals have included tennis courts, batting cages, a beach volleyball area and a skateboard area. An indoor swimming facility would be a future addition.

&uot;Every progressive community that I’ve talked to is building a facility like this,&uot; Copeland said.

But the proposal did meet with some opposition. Walter Stampley, a member of the recreation district board &045; which is not involved with this project &045; said he doesn’t see the need for more fields.

Other concerns raised were about the safety of the location, which is on the corner of Carter Street and Advocates Road, behind Kaiser Petroleum, and about how children would get to the facility.

&uot;If you’ve got something for kids to do, parents are going to get them there,&uot; Alderwoman Maureen Saunders said.

&uot;The last thing we want to do is build a complex that’s dangerous to get to,&uot; Copeland said, adding that access could include putting sidewalks on Carter Street or having children use Advocates Road.

Several parents and business owners at the meeting said they are in favor of the facility, not only for the opportunities it offers residents but also because of the potential economic benefits of hosting tournaments.

Two aldermen, Ricky Knapp and Jon Betts, voted against the resolution to put the tax vote on the ballot.

Knapp said after the meeting he wanted the town to take more time to look at funding options. But Knapp said he is in favor of the project in general.

Betts said he is simply against new taxes.

&uot;I’m not against the project,&uot; he said. &uot;I just think 15 mills is extreme. I would like to see us investigate other funding options.&uot;

Copeland emphasized during the meeting that the Jan. 15 vote will allow Vidalia residents to decide whether to proceed with the project.

&uot;You have the opportunity to vote for it or against it,&uot; he said.