With a date set for a vote on a Vidalia tax increase for recreation, voters in the town have a big decision on their hands.

We hope residents will take a close look at the plans and decide whether they want that tax increase for recreation.

Vidalia officials have done a good job of making sure that residents’ opinions are included in these plans, from holding a public meeting to gauge interest in the project to keeping plans on display at town hall.

This is an important proposal for the Town of Vidalia, and town officials have made sure that residents have a say in just about every step of the process &045; most important, of course, being the decision on a tax increase.

We urge residents over the next several weeks to familiarize themselves with the project, to look at the pros and cons and examine how a tax increase will affect them and how the potential of the park &045; from quality of life to new business &045; will affect them.

Each family, whether they have children or not, has a stake in this vote, because all of Vidalia will be affected &045; not only by the tax increase but also by a new project such as a recreation park.

So far, all town officials are asking is that residents vote yes or no to a tax increase. If Vidalia residents don’t want it, they will have a chance to say so at the polls.

And if they want to voice their opinions about ideas for the recreation proposal, the mayor has encouraged them to call town hall as well.

We hope everyone will educate themselves on this project and go out to vote on Jan. 15.