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.
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.
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.
Improving Infrastructure Through SPLOST Investments
The SPLOST program is building and maintaining Union County's infrastructure, creating a better future for all residents.
Impact Projects
Revolutionizing Community Recreation and Civic Engagement
The Blairsville Sorghum Festival
Fueling Our Firefighters, Ensuring Our Safety
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.
SPLOST FAQs
Find answers to frequently asked questions about the SPLOST program in Union County, GA.
See All FAQsNo, Union County has not designated any Level One projects. While some of the Union County SPLOST projects have been eligible to be designated as Level One projects, the county did not designate them as such in the ballot question or the IGA documents.
If a Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) referendum fails, it means that the proposed sales tax increase has not been approved by the voters of the county. In this scenario, several outcomes can occur:
- Projects on Hold or Cancelled: The projects or improvements that were to be funded by the SPLOST revenues will likely be put on hold or cancelled. This includes infrastructure projects, public facilities, transportation improvements, and other community development initiatives.
- Alternative Funding Sources: The county government may need to explore alternative funding sources to finance these projects. This could include reallocating existing budget funds, seeking state or federal grants, or implementing other forms of taxation or revenue generation.
- Impact on Budget and Services: Without the additional revenue from SPLOST, the county might have to make difficult budgetary decisions. This could potentially lead to reductions in services or delaying improvements to existing infrastructure.
- Future Referendums: The government may choose to propose a new SPLOST referendum in the future, potentially with revised projects or terms that might be more acceptable to voters.
- Public Engagement: The failure of a SPLOST referendum often leads to increased public engagement and discussion regarding county priorities and fiscal management. It provides an opportunity for government officials to better understand the needs and concerns of their constituents.
- Reassessment of Needs and Priorities: The county might reassess its needs and priorities based on the feedback received during the referendum process. This could lead to adjustments in future planning and budgeting processes.
The failure of a SPLOST referendum requires the county to reconsider and adjust its financial and strategic planning to ensure the continued delivery of services and the advancement of community projects.
Union County encourages resident participation through public meetings, community surveys, and direct communication with county representatives. Residents can attend Union County Commission meetings or contact the Commissioner's Office to express their views on SPLOST projects.
Yes, many other counties in Georgia utilize the Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST). In 2023, out of the 159 counties in the state of Georgia, 155 counties had a SPLOST. SPLOST is a popular tool for funding specific capital projects in Georgia counties and cities. The reasons for its widespread adoption include:
- Flexibility in Funding Projects: SPLOST allows counties to fund large-scale projects without the need for federal or state funding, giving them more control over local developments.
- Voter Approval: Since SPLOST must be approved by voters in a referendum, it ensures that the tax is only implemented when there is public support for the proposed projects.
- Burden Sharing with Non-Residents: Because SPLOST is a sales tax, it is paid by anyone who makes eligible purchases within the county, including tourists and visitors, not just the residents. This spreads the cost of local improvements more widely.
- Avoiding Increases in Property Taxes: SPLOST can fund projects that might otherwise require an increase in property taxes, making it a more palatable option for many voters and officials.
- Time-Limited and Project-Specific: SPLOST is implemented for a specific time period (usually five to six years) and can only be used for the projects listed in the referendum. This specificity and time limitation often make it more acceptable to voters.
The use of SPLOST is common in both urban and rural areas across Georgia, as it provides a practical way to finance important local projects, such as road improvements, school building renovations, park development, and emergency services upgrades. Each county’s SPLOST plan is tailored to its unique needs and priorities, reflecting the specific goals and projects that local residents and officials find most important.
The duration of a SPLOST in Union County is typically five to six years, as mandated by state law. Renewal of SPLOST is subject to voter approval in a referendum, which typically occurs before the expiration of the current SPLOST.
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.