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

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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
What are the benefits of SPLOST for Union County residents?

SPLOST provides significant benefits, such as funding for infrastructure improvements, enhancements to public facilities, and development of community projects. These improvements can lead to a higher quality of life, better public services, and increased property values.

Where can I find out more about SPLOST?

If you're looking to dive deeper into the specifics of the Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST), a comprehensive resource is readily available through the Association of County Commissioners of Georgia (ACCG). They offer a detailed 71-page SPLOST guide on their website, which is an invaluable tool for understanding the intricacies of Georgia’s SPLOST law as outlined in the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (O.C.G.A.) 48-8. This guide is designed to provide clarity and insight into how SPLOST functions, its impact, and its implementation across various communities in Georgia.

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.

Does the City of Blairsville get SPLOST money?

Yes, the City of Blairsville does receive funding from the Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST). SPLOST is a financing method for funding capital outlay projects proposed by the county government and participating qualified municipal governments. In Union County, SPLOST funds are collected through a small percentage added to the sales tax on all eligible purchases within the county.

The distribution of SPLOST funds is based on an agreement among the participating entities, which typically include the county and its municipalities. The City of Blairsville, being a significant part of Union County, is included in this agreement and receives a portion of the SPLOST revenue. These funds are earmarked for specific projects that benefit the city, such as infrastructure improvements, facility upgrades, and other capital projects that have been identified and approved as part of the SPLOST program.

Union County currently has an IntergovernmentalAgreement (IGA) with the City of Blairsville, with a negotiated 8.5% of SPLOST collections going to the City of Blairsville after a 1% administration fee.

It's important to note that SPLOST funds must be used for capital projects and cannot be used for operational expenses. This means that while SPLOST can finance the construction or renovation of facilities, it cannot be used for salaries, utility bills, or general operating expenses of the city.

The City of Blairsville, in coordination with Union County, identifies and prioritizes projects that will be funded through SPLOST. These projects are typically outlined in a SPLOST referendum that voters approve. This ensures that the residents have a say in how these funds are utilized and allows for transparent and accountable management of taxpayer money.

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.

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.