The Cobb County Commission has generated a lot of attention to their proposal for a new special purpose local option sales tax, better known to those of us who have to pay the bills as a SPLOST - or the tax that refuses to die.

There has been quite a bit of discussion among the citizenry about the plan, and no small amount of controversy as to the specifics, or lack thereof.

Frankly, our politicians are a mite peeved because you and I don't seem to have government at any level high on our trust-o-meter these days, especially when it comes to spending our hard-earned dollars.

That's where I come in.

Because of my well-known reputation for being able to cut through the wheat and get to the chaff (Or is it cut through the chaff and get to the wheat? I can never remember) well-placed sources within the county have given me an exclusive look at what will be the final version of the tax proposal.

Our commissioners believe that once you understand the details you will vote enthusiastically for the proposal. And I will feel warm all over that I did my part to help. Please. No applause. It is just my small - albeit noteworthy - contribution to the cause.

It is not my business to suggest what you do with this information, but I would feel I had done a great public service if you clipped this column and stuck it on the front of your refrigerator. Then whenever you go to retrieve the persimmon jelly for your onion bagel, it will be there for reference.

Here are the six things you need to know in order to make an informed decision:

1. The Cobb County Commission will absolutely, definitely, without question vote on the proposed SPLOST:

(a) Tuesday, December 14.

(b) Whenever the groundhog sees or doesn't see his or her shadow.

(c) All of the above.

(d) None of the above.

(e) Maybe some of the above, but maybe not.

2. The SPLOST as currently under discussion will generate revenues of:

(a) $746. 2 million

(b) $615.6 million

(c) $488 million

(d) Pick a number. Any number.

3. The SPLOST will be in effect:

(a) Six years.

(b) Five years

(c) Four years

(d) From here to eternity.

4. If approved by the commission, it will be put to a vote by public referendum:

(a) March 2011.

(b) November 2011.

(c) Whenever the groundhog gets the shadow issue handled.

5. The SPLOST money will be used for:

(a) Lots of wants.

(b) A few needs.

(c) Paying for the cost of the referendum.

6. The chances of voters falling all over themselves to pass whatever comes out of the commission:

(a) Slim and none.

(b) Less than that.

(c) Not even that good.

I trust you have found this information helpful. It is a privilege to have been given the opportunity to discuss with you the details of the SPLOST proposal, and I hope the county commission feels that I have contributed some much-needed substance to the debate.

Without appearing boastful, I believe I have proven once again my innate ability to separate the wheat from the chaff. Or is it the other way around?

You can reach Dick Yarbrough at yarb2400@bellsouth.net or P.O. Box 725373, Atlanta, Georgia 31139.