What is a SPLOST?
It is a 1% special purpose local option sales tax that is used by county governments throughout Georgia to help fund capital improvements that would otherwise require funding from property taxes.
What is the purpose of the Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) referendum?
The purpose of the SPLOST referendum is to ask voters to decide whether we should continue collecting the local 1% sales tax to pay for county projects, and for payment of existing general obligation debt on the County Administration Building and County Jail Facility. The SPLOST is not an additional sales tax, but rather a continuation of the local 1% sales tax that is currently in place and was originally approved by voters in 2003.
What happens if the SPLOST renewal is not approved?
Without the SPLOST, funding for these projects and the bond payments will have to come primarily from local property tax revenues.
Why would we use the SPLOST instead of property taxes to pay for these projects?
The SPLOST means that everyone who purchases goods in Pickens County is helping to pay for the cost of growth, maintenance, and the improvements in our county. The responsibility for the financial support of the projects in our county will be shared by almost everyone instead of primarily property owners.
Didn't we already approve the SPLOST?
Yes. The original SPLOST referendum was passed in 2003 in the amount of $22,000,000. All major SPLOST projects have been completed.
What projects are planned under the SPLOST?
County Road Projects & Public Works Projects
Courthouse & Parking Facility
Debt Service for Courthouse and Parking Facility
Administration Building
Jail
Recreation Facilities
Water & Sewer Facilities
Library Facilities
Public Safety Equipment
City of Jasper Road Projects
City of Nelson Road Projects, Public Safety Projects & Recreation Facilities
City of Talking Rock - City Hall & Community Building
How long will the SPLOST renewal last?
The SPLOST will last a maximum of six (6) years.
How long will it take to complete the proposed projects?
SPLOST fund are collected monthly based on sales for a particular month. Collections will continue on a monthly basis for the six-year period. Therefore, the funds will not be available in a lump sum so Pickens County will have to plan and budget expenditures as funds for the designated projects become available. Funds will be placed in an interest bearing account and all interest drawn on the SPLOST will be used for the proposed projects.
What is the anticipated income from the SPLOST?
At the current growth rate, it is anticipated the revenue from the SPLOST will be approximately $34,000,000 over the next six years.
What will happen if the anticipated revenue falls short of predictions?
Hopefully, this will not be the case. However, if revenue collections do fall short, the proposed projects would be reduced based on funds available.
Can SPLOST funds be used for any other purpose than the proposed projects?
No. The law forbids the use of these funds for any purpose other than those outlined in the resolution. SPLOST funds must be kept in a separate account to manage revenues and expenditures.
What happens if the referendum fails?
The projects proposed under the SPLOST will have to be done at some point regardless of the outcome of the referendum. The only other way to fund these projects is primarily through property taxes.
When is the SPLOST referendum?
The referendum date is February 5, 2008.
Who can vote in the SPLOST referendum?
Any registered Pickens County voter may vote in the referendum.
