We're Here to Help

If you have any questions, comments, or need further information about Union County's Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) initiatives, we welcome you to reach out to us. Our dedicated team is committed to providing you with the information you need about SPLOST projects, funding, and impacts on our community.

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The fastest way to a response is by filling out the form below. Please provide your details and your question or comment, and a member of our team will get back to you as soon as possible.

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Feedback and Suggestions

We value your feedback and suggestions. If you have ideas or thoughts on how we can improve our communication or the SPLOST program, please don't hesitate to share them with us. Your input is crucial in ensuring the success of our community projects.

Phone

For general questions, please feel free to contact us via the form above.

(706) 439-6000

Union County Courthouse

For in-person questions, you may visit the Union County Courthouse.

65 Courthouse Street
Blairsville, GA 30512

SPLOST FAQs

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

See All FAQs
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.

How is SPLOST implemented in Union County?

In Union County, SPLOST is implemented following a voter referendum. Once approved, the county collects an additional 1% sales tax on eligible purchases. The revenue from this tax is dedicated to funding the capital projects outlined in the SPLOST proposal.

Are there any exemptions from SPLOST?

Certain items, like prescription medications and grocery food products, are exempt from SPLOST. The exemptions are consistent with the state's sales tax policies.

What happens if a SPLOST referendum fails?

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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.

Do voters get to vote on SPLOST?

Yes, voters do have the opportunity to vote on the Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST). SPLOST is a financing method for funding capital outlay projects in the county that is approved by local voters. Essentially, it is a program that allows the county to collect an additional sales tax, typically 1%, that is used specifically for predetermined projects such as building new schools, improving roads, or developing parks.

Before a SPLOST can be implemented, it must first be approved by a majority of the county's voters in a referendum. This referendum is usually held in conjunction with other local, state, or federal elections to ensure a broad base of voter participation. The referendum includes detailed information about the specific projects that the SPLOST revenue will fund, giving voters a clear understanding of where their tax dollars will be spent.

SPLOST is a democratic process where voters have a direct say in whether or not they want to implement this additional sales tax for the benefit of their community's infrastructure and development projects.

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