A new and easier-to-find police headquarters is at the top of Snellville's wish list of projects if Gwinnett County residents approve a special tax in November.

City officials agreed this week on four categories of projects they plan to fund through SPLOST money, (special purpose local-option sales tax). They're expecting $17.35 million from the one-time tax if it gains voter support, City Manager Russell Treadway said.

The largest portion of the money, about 40 percent, is slated for public safety expenses, mainly to build the new police station at the heavily traveled intersection of Wisteria Drive and Clower Street, he said. The estimated price tag is about $9 million, which includes about $1 million the department has left over from the 2005 SPLOST, Police Chief Roy Whitehead said.

The move would position the station closer to Snellville City Hall, which fits into city leaders' vision for a new downtown with consolidated services. The new building will also be bigger, to accommodate future growth at the department, the chief said.

The police force is now headquartered in a former office building not designed for use by law enforcement, Whitehead said.

The chief also said residents often get lost trying to find the Springdale Road station, despite many signs visible from major streets. That shouldn't be a problem at the more centrally located spot a little more than two miles closer to City Hall. The new station won't open until the end of 2009 at the earliest, the chief said.

Along with the new police department, Snellville officials plan to spend 37 percent of SPLOST money on parks and recreation, the city manager said. About 13 percent would be used to maintain the city's streets, roads and bridges.

Nearly 11 percent would be used for the public works department, which needs a new building, Treadway said.