Fort Oglethorpe councilmen registered their displeasure with the county’s proposed distribution of special purpose sales tax projects and funds by declining to approve an intergovernmental agreement Monday night.

Councilman Harold Silcox made a motion to approve the agreement, but neither Councilmen Steve Brandon, Louis Hamm or Charles Sharrock seconded the motion.

“I didn’t realize this council was against this,” Mr. Silcox said.

Mayor Ronnie Cobb acknowledged he did not have a vote on the issue, but urged council members to approve the agreement and let city residents join others in the county in voting on the issue in September.

“I hate to think the council would take the decision out of the public’s hand on such an issue,” he said.

City Manager Ron Goulart said he spoke with County Attorney Skip Patty Monday afternoon.

“We’re not certain about the outcome if one city fails to agree,” he said. “The county decides on how to divide the funds. It is a county tax. It would be my legal opinion the county can go forward with the SPLOST vote.”

Mr. Silcox said county finance records show the city has received $12.7 million in direct funds for city use from three five-year SPLOST cycles and $8.4 million for sewers.

“Should we get more than we have?” he asked. “Undoubtedly, but should we turn this down. The projection is for us to receive $7.1 million this cycle and an additional $5 million for sewers.”

Mr. Silcox said citizens should vote for what they want and not heed the council action on the issue.

Under the proposed distribution of revenue Fort Oglethorpe would receive about, $7.1 million, or 13 percent, while Ringgold, Ga., will gain get $2.5 million, or about 4 percent.