WARNER ROBINS -- The day after Houston County residents largely passed a penny sales tax referendum, government officials were mostly breathing a sigh of relief and extending thanks to voters.

“We’re just ecstatic,” said Patrick Eidson, city administrator for Centerville.

A six-year renewal of the Houston County special purpose local option sales tax received voter approval Tuesday by more than a 2-1 margin. Centerville and Houston County officials said Wednesday they had started preliminary plans for the capital improvement projects listed in the SPLOST.

“We’re going to hit the ground running and show the residents of Houston County that when they speak, we act on what they want us to do,” Eidson said.

Centerville officials have said a $3 million Law Enforcement Center is at the top of their priority list, partly because insurance agents have questioned coverage of the current police department. Eidson said Wednesday he was contacting an architect to begin drawing preliminary designs.

Houston County Commission Chairman Tommy Stalnaker said the county had begun prioritizing projects and was fielding calls of congratulations.

“The real congratulations goes to the voters,” Stalnaker said.

Perry City Manager Lee Gilmour said City Council will likely discuss SPLOST funds at next week’s extended work session.

Warner Robins Mayor Chuck Shaheen did not return messages Wednesday.

To contact writer Christina M. Wright, call 256-9685.