Pooler optimistic about continued growth in 2014

Source: Savannah Morning News, Ga.迷你倉Oct. 14--If more sales tax money, tax digest growth and business ribbon-cuttings aren't convincing indications of Pooler's growth, then the hiring of full-time staff at the local chamber of commerce and visitors bureau may be a good sign.The Pooler Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau Inc. board began consideration last week of hiring a full-time executive director due to a growing workload for the two-person part-time staff. It's also exploring the hiring of an outside company to perform social media work."It's a lot of business going on in this little chamber," Karen Robertson, acting director, said of the organization that boasts nearly 300 members since re-organizing in 2008.Pooler city officials also began budget discussions for fiscal year 2014 last week.An $18.2 million preliminary general fund budget has been proposed, roughly $2 million more than the current fiscal year. More revenue from the local option sales tax, which was renegotiated with other governments earlier this year, is credited for the increase.In July, council members adopted a lower millage rate with the expectation that LOST will make up the difference in lower property tax collections that account for roughly 23 percent of revenue sources. The city's finance office projects $4.4 million to be collected from LOST by year's end.Among other budget considerations is a proposed 3.2 percent merit-based increase for employees. Council members will also decide whether to grant retired elected officials retirement pay of $20 a month for each year of service.A handful of department vacancies are proposed to be filled, while the police department hopes to hire three officers and six people for the fire department, which has expanded. Pooler employs about 158 full-time workers.In addition, a $6.8 million sewer fund has been proposed, $600,000 more than what is currently budgeted.A second budget meeting is scheduled on Oct. 21. The council will adopt a new budget in December.Mayor Mike Lamb used the word "tight" in describing the proposed budget. He said officials are determined to keep the city's millage rate low.He also said he exp文件倉cts continued growth in the coming year, but it will be difficult to outdo what has been accomplished this year."Population-wise we're still growing at a very fast rate," Lamb said."But commercial-wise I just can't imagine anything close to what we've got with the project on Pooler Parkway and the outlet mall that's coming. Those two projects are huge. That's what we know is coming, but then there's more coming around that, too."The mayor declined to divulge details of the projects in the works, but an immediate health care facility serviced by Georgia Emergency Associates and what will be the city's thirteenth hotel, a Residence Inn by Marriott, which will also be the first Marriott chain in Pooler, are planned for construction near Pooler Parkway.Pooler so far this year has issued 934 new business licenses, compared to a total of 914 business licenses in 2012, according to the city.To keep all of its businesses and residents happy, the city has requested $16.9 million worth of projects in the proposed special purpose local option sales tax that goes before all county voters on Nov. 5.Among the projects are the resurfacing of Pooler Parkway, new athletic fields, a public safety training center, police station renovations, fire department vehicles and other roadwork and infrastructure improvements.While Pooler benefits from its close proximity to Savannah and Tybee Island, the city has become a tourist destination in its own right.This year is shaping up to be one of the city's best years for tourism, according to the chamber. Increased revenue, totaling $455,000 through September, from the 6 percent hotel/motel tax reflects as much.The chamber receives two-thirds of that revenue, with the rest going to the city and the Savannah International Trade & Convention Center.Expanded events and attractions, as well as a reputation for low crime have been credited for the growth."Pooler has come into its own and doesn't have to piggy-back on Savannah," said Robertson.Copyright: ___ (c)2013 Savannah Morning News (Savannah, Ga.) Visit the Savannah Morning News (Savannah, Ga.) at savannahnow.com Distributed by MCT Information Services存倉