Impact

SPLOST has a significant impact on quality of life, public safety, and infrastructure in Union County, GA.

Union County SPLOST Impact

Enhancing Quality of Life in Union County

In Union County, SPLOST is committed to improving the quality of life for residents. Through the SPLOST program, we have invested in various projects that enhance our parks, recreational facilities, and community spaces. These improvements provide the community with more opportunities for leisure, wellness, and social interaction.

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Revitalized Parks and Recreation Facilities

Our parks and recreation facilities have undergone significant transformations, offering state-of-the-art amenities and enhanced green spaces. Whether you're looking to enjoy a picnic with your family, go for a refreshing swim, or play a game of basketball, our upgraded facilities cater to all your recreational needs.

Community Projects that Make a Difference

Through the SPLOST program, we have implemented various community projects that greatly impact the lives of our residents. From the construction of new community centers to the improvement of existing infrastructure, these projects contribute to a thriving and connected community.

Promoting a Vibrant and Active Lifestyle

With our focus on quality of life, we aim to create an environment that promotes a vibrant and active lifestyle. The SPLOST investments in parks, recreational facilities, and community projects encourage physical activity, social engagement, and overall well-being.

Improving Infrastructure for a Better Community

The SPLOST program is dedicated to enhancing the infrastructure of Union County. Through road improvements, utilities upgrades, and public works projects, it is committed to creating a better community for all residents.

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Road Improvements

SPLOST prioritizes the maintenance and expansion of our road network to ensure safe and efficient transportation for everyone.

Utilities Upgrades

SPLOST invests in upgrading our utilities infrastructure to provide reliable services to homes and businesses.

Public Works Projects

SPLOST undertakes various public works projects to enhance the overall quality of life in Union County.

Transforming Communities Through SPLOST Funding

SPLOST has funded projects to support the quality of life, public safety, and infrastructure in Union County.

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

The Impact of SPLOST

SPLOST is a proactive way to contribute to the betterment of the community without significantly impacting residents' personal finances.

SPLOST funds are used for specific projects, such as improving roads, upgrading public safety facilities, and enhancing recreational areas. These projects directly benefit the community by improving the quality of life and public services.

By funding infrastructure and community projects, SPLOST can attract new businesses and support existing ones, fostering economic growth and job creation in Union County.

SPLOST is a sales tax, not a property tax. This means everyone, including visitors and non-residents who shop in Union County, shares in the tax burden. This approach lessens the financial impact on our residents alone.

SPLOST funds are designated for specific projects approved by voters. This ensures transparency and accountability, as the government can only use the funds for these voter-approved purposes.

SPLOST is not a permanent tax. It is implemented for a set period, usually five years, providing a finite funding source for essential projects without a long-term tax commitment.

Because SPLOST funds are collected and utilized within a specific timeframe, the community can see the benefits of their contributions relatively quickly.

Impact Projects

 
 
 
Without SPLOST funding, we would not have buildings like this. This is a great opportunity for the community and it brings in revenue and people come to play golf and they stay in our town.

Union County's Gem: The Community Center

People do brag about it. They walk in here and they're blown away that this is just nestled up here in our county and that you go in, you walk into our bathrooms, and you just feel like you're in a hotel, a five-star hotel.

Union County's Gem: The Community Center

Meeks Park is an incredible place that helps make the quality of life in Union County second to none.

Discover the SPLOST Impact

Explore the impact of SPLOST projects on the residents of Union County, GA.

Union County SPLOST Impact

SPLOST FAQs

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

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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.

How long has SPLOST been in effect in Union County, and when is it renewed?

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.

How is SPLOST revenue collected and managed?

The Georgia Department of Revenue collects SPLOST funds through the regular sales tax process and then distributes them to Union County. The County manages these funds, ensuring they are used solely for the voter-approved projects. Regular audits and public reports maintain transparency and accountability.

Can SPLOST (Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax) funds be used to support Emergency Medical Services (EMS) in Union County, Georgia?

SPLOST funds are designated for specific capital projects and improvements as voters approve. According to the regulations governing SPLOST, these funds cannot be directly allocated to Emergency Medical Services (EMS) operational expenses.

However, SPLOST funds can be utilized for capital expenditures within the Emergency Management Agency (EMA), a distinct entity focused on preparing for, responding to, and recovering from disasters and emergencies within the community. This can include infrastructure improvements, purchasing of emergency vehicles, and other capital projects that indirectly support the broader emergency response framework, including EMS operations.

The Union County Emergency Management Agency is a Local Emergency Management Agency https://gema.georgia.gov/locations/union

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.

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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.