The Newton County Board of Commissioners voted Tuesday to use $5 million in SPLOST funds to renovate Porter Memorial Auditorium as a civic center to be administered by the Newton County Arts Association. The renovation, which will include an expanded lobby and concessions area, dressing rooms, and all new sound and lighting system, is expected to be completed by June 2016. “What I see is an economic development tool,” said Jeff Wagner, an Arts Association board member, speaking to the board.