News 12 at 6 o'clock, February 20, 2009

AUGUSTA, Ga.---This year's SPLOST, or one penny sales tax, is expected to generate $184 million. For the first time, there are some strings attached.

"We don't have a home," said Sandra Self with the Augusta Symphony. "We have no home."

After 55 years, Sandra and her Augusta Symphony think they've found the perfect spot.

"Well," said Sandra. "It's going to take a few years."

It will take 3 to 5 years to be exact. That's because they want you to approve using a penny sales tax to renovate the historic Miller theater.

"I love this building," said Tricia Hughes. "I absolutely love this building."

Tricia is part of a group called Friends of the Miller. They are working to bring the theater back to life.

"I remember walking that red carpet," said Tricia. "There were so many crowds, and there were so many people at the concession stands.

"The red carpet already in place, but this is no time to celebrate. All outside agencies have to fork over a 25% match. For the friends of the Miller, that means more than $1 million."

"Well," said Tricia. "Lets get busy."

That's right. For the first time, all those pennies comes with strings attached.

"It is so the taxpayers can feel that we're not just giving their money away," said Mayor Pro Tem Alvin Mason.

That is especially important when we're talking about a $184 million SPLOST package with $5 million to renovate the Miller and $3.5 million to put a lake around Regency Mall. They are projects that aren't absolutely necessary like roads and bridges.

"Well," said Tricia. "If you don't have somewhere to go why do you need a good road to get there?"

The commission has signed off on the package. It's now your turn to vote it up or down in June. We understand the theater's owner intends to give the theater to the symphony. It's supposedly valued at about $400,000 to $500,000. That will go toward their required match if the package passes in June.