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Protestors speak out against new sales tax at Catoosa County Commission [photos]

Staff photo by Erin O. Smith / A Catoosa County Sheriff's deputy respectfully lets protestors know they will not be able to take large signs into the commission meeting at the Catoosa County Administration Building Tuesday, February 19, 2019 in Ringgold, Georgia. A group of individuals attended the Catoosa County Commission meeting to protest of a proposed 1-percent tax increase. Staff photo by Erin O. Smith / A Catoosa County Sheriff's deputy respectfully lets protestors know they will not be able to take large signs into the commission meeting at the Catoosa County Administration Building Tuesday, February 19, 2019 in Ringgold, Georgia. A group of individuals attended the Catoosa County Commission meeting to protest of a proposed 1-percent tax increase.

By Staff Report March 6, 2019 1 min read

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TSPLOST protest

Staff photo by Erin O. Smith / Protestors of a new Transportation Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax hold signs before the Catoosa County Commission meeting at the Catoosa County Administration Building Tuesday, February 19, 2019 in Ringgold, Georgia. The TSPLOST was proposed as a way for the county to bring in a projected $60 million in revenue over the next five years for work on roads and bridges.

Staff photo by Erin O. Smith / Eric Morrison walks into the Catoosa County Administration Building with a large sign in protest of a sales tax increase Tuesday, February 19, 2019 in Ringgold, Georgia. A group of about 10 individuals showed up to the Catoosa County Commission meeting Tuesday to voice their objection to the additional 1-percent tax increase saying it would put an extra burden on those in the community couldn't afford it, would encourage people to shop online where sales tax may not be required or cause locals to go out of town to shop.

Staff photo by Erin O. Smith / Mark Nollman holds a piece of paper reading "Vote No New Sales Tax March 19, 2019" during a Catoosa County Commission meeting at the Catoosa County Administration Building Tuesday, February 19, 2019 in Ringgold, Georgia. A group of individuals attended the Catoosa County Commission meeting in protest of a proposed 1-percent tax increase.

Staff photo by Erin O. Smith / Sarah Wade speaks the the Catoosa County Board of Commissioners about why she believes a 1-percent tax increase shouldn't be passed next month at the Catoosa County Administration Building Tuesday, February 19, 2019 in Ringgold, Georgia. A group of individuals attended the Catoosa County Commission meeting in protest of a proposed Transportation Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax.

Staff photo by Erin O. Smith / Samantha Martin talks to the Catoosa County Board of Commissioners about why she believes a Transportation Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax shouldn't be passed in March at the Catoosa County Administration Building Tuesday, February 19, 2019 in Ringgold, Georgia. Martin said she has eight kids and budgeting is already tight for her family. She believes the additional tax would cause a greater burden on her family as well as other families in Catoosa County.

A handful of protesters gathered at the Catoosa County Commission meeting last week to voice their opposition against a new 1-percent sales tax that may take effect soon, depending on the results of the March 19 election.

The Transportation Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax, which would be shared among the county, Ringgold and Fort Oglethorpe, is used to pay for road paving and other transportation projects.

County representatives said the local government could cut some money from its general fund if customers paid the extra burden at the cash register.

Early voting for the special election on the tax began this week and will continue on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. until March 15.

Voting locations include the Freedom Center in Ringgold at 5238 Evitt St. and the Westside Voting Precinct in Rossville at 3319 Lakeview Drive.

On March 19, polls will open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.