Transforming Union County with the
SPLOST Program

Discover how the Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) program is enriching quality of life, enhancing public safety, and improving infrastructure in Union County, GA.

Union County SPLOST
Quality of Life

Improving Quality of Life Through SPLOST

The SPLOST program is transforming Union County, GA by enhancing public spaces, supporting community initiatives, and fostering a vibrant and inclusive environment for all residents.

Union County SPLOST Information
Union County SPLOST Information
Public Safety

Improving Public Safety in Union County

With the SPLOST program, Union County is becoming a safer place to live, work, and play. From updated emergency response equipment to enhanced community policing initiatives, SPLOST is used to ensure the well-being of Union County residents.

Infrastructure

Improving Infrastructure Through SPLOST Investments

The SPLOST program is building and maintaining Union County's infrastructure, creating a better future for all residents.

Union County SPLOST Information

Stay Informed with Our Newsletter

Sign up for our newsletter to receive the latest updates on quality of life, public safety, and infrastructure in Union County, GA.

By signing up, you agree to our Terms of Service.

Impact Projects

 
 
 

SPLOST Supports a Better Union County

SPLOST supports the vision for Union County, Georgia by investing in the infrastructure necessary to sustain economic opportunity, thus contributing to the community's goal of prioritizing education, supporting local businesses and institutions, and fostering prosperity and quality of life for its citizens.

Union County Vision Statement

Union County, Georgia is a hometown focused on its people, putting families first by celebrating its friendly, neighborly charm, providing a safe community, and investing in facilities and services that will provide the quality of life and opportunities for prosperity desired by its citizens.

Union County, Georgia is a rural community respectful of its history and natural beauty, recognizing the value of, and striving to preserve for generations, its mountain setting, its agricultural roots, and its Appalachian heritage.

Union County, Georgia is a community that supports its local businesses and institutions, prioritizing education, partnering with the City of Blairsville, and investing in the infrastructure necessary to sustain economic opportunity.

Union County, Georgia is a community dedicated to open and efficient governance, where residents feel welcome and vested in the well-being of their hometown through fair and bold government.

Reaching the Potential of Union County

Discover how the SPLOST program is enhancing quality of life, public safety, and infrastructure in Union County through tax contributions gathered mostly from tourism.

$5,728,984
In Revenue for Special Projects
$3.5M+
In Matching Funds from Grants
Union County SPLOST Information

SPLOST FAQs

Find answers to frequently asked questions about the SPLOST program in Union County, GA.

See All FAQs
How does Union County plan for the next SPLOST?

When planning for the next Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) in Union County, a comprehensive and community-oriented approach is adopted. The process involves several key steps:

  1. Community Engagement and Feedback: Union County actively seeks input from residents, business owners, and community groups to understand their needs and priorities. This could involve public meetings, surveys, and outreach programs.
  2. Assessment of Needs: The County assesses the current infrastructure, facilities, and services to identify areas that need improvement, expansion, or new development. This includes evaluating roads, public safety facilities, parks, and community centers.
  3. Prioritization of Projects: Based on community feedback and needs assessment, the County prioritizes projects. This prioritization considers factors like urgency, impact on community welfare, cost-effectiveness, and long-term benefits.
  4. Budget Planning and Financial Analysis: The County conducts a detailed financial analysis to estimate the cost of proposed projects and the expected revenue from SPLOST. This step ensures fiscal responsibility and effective allocation of resources.
  5. Collaboration with Local Entities: Union County collaborates with local municipalities, schools, and other governmental entities to align SPLOST projects with broader community goals.
  6. Transparency and Accountability: The County commits to transparency throughout the SPLOST planning process. Regular updates and reports are provided to the public, detailing how funds are being used and the progress of ongoing projects.
  7. Adoption of a SPLOST Resolution: Finally, the County adopts a SPLOST resolution, which includes a detailed list of projects and the estimated cost for each. This resolution is then presented to voters for approval.

Through these steps, Union County ensures that the SPLOST is planned in a way that aligns with the community’s needs and priorities, supporting a robust and sustainable growth for the County.

What is SPLOST?

The Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) is a financing method for funding capital outlay projects in the State of Georgia. It allows counties to add a local sales tax of up to 1% to fund specific projects, such as building roads, improving schools, or developing parks. This tax is approved by local voters and can only be used for the purposes specified before the vote.

How does the County come up with projects for the SPLOST ballot/referendum?

The process for selecting projects for the SPLOST ballot in Union County involves a comprehensive and community-oriented approach. It includes the following key steps:

  1. Community Input and Needs Assessment: The County starts by gathering input from community members, local businesses, and key stakeholders. Public forums, surveys, and meetings are conducted to understand the community’s priorities and needs.
  2. Collaboration with Departments: Various County departments, such as transportation, education, public works, and emergency services, submit proposals for projects that require funding. These proposals are based on long-term planning, infrastructure needs, and community services enhancement.
  3. Feasibility and Impact Analysis: Each project proposal undergoes a thorough analysis to assess its feasibility, cost-effectiveness, and potential impact on the community. This includes evaluating the benefits, projected costs, and long-term sustainability.
  4. Prioritization and Selection: The County officials, often in collaboration with a committee or advisory group, prioritize the projects based on the community's needs, potential impact, and available funding. This process ensures that the most critical and beneficial projects are selected.
  5. Legal and Compliance Review: Before finalizing the list, each project is reviewed for legal compliance and alignment with SPLOST regulations. This step ensures that all projects meet statutory requirements.
  6. Drafting Ballot Language: Once the projects are finalized, the County drafts clear and precise language for the SPLOST ballot. This language is designed to be easily understood by voters, outlining the purpose and scope of each project.
  7. Public Awareness and Education: Before the referendum, the County undertakes an educational campaign to inform the public about the proposed SPLOST projects. This includes providing detailed information on how the funds will be used and the expected benefits to the community.

By following these steps, Union County ensures that the projects selected for the SPLOST ballot are in line with community needs and priorities, offering transparency and accountability in the use of taxpayer funds.

How is SPLOST different from other taxes?

SPLOST is different from other taxes in that it is a temporary sales tax that is specifically designated for funding certain projects. Unlike property taxes or income taxes, which are ongoing, SPLOST is only collected for a limited time period and is solely used for the designated purposes outlined in the program.

How can residents stay informed about SPLOST projects and spending?

Union County provides updates on SPLOST projects and spending through its website, local news releases, and public meetings. The county may also publish newsletters or annual reports detailing the progress and financial status of SPLOST-funded projects.

Understanding the SPLOST Process in Union County

Allocation Overview

Funds from the SPLOST program are allocated and used in Union County.

Public Safety

The SPLOST program contributes to enhancing public safety in Union County.

Infrastructure

The SPLOST program improves infrastructure in Union County.

Quality of Life

The SPLOST program increases the quality of life for residents in Union County.