Infrastructure

The SPLOST program is funding major infrastructure projects in Union County, GA.

Enhancing Community Infrastructure Through SPLOST Investments

The SPLOST program is revolutionizing Union County's infrastructure with groundbreaking infrastructure projects.

Infrastructure Projects Funded Through SPLOST

Replacing the Fisher Field Road Bridge with a Cost-Effective Solution

Union County quickly replaced a condemned bridge on Fisher Field Road by using SPLOST funds and a creative engineering solution. This rapid and cost-effective approach ensured continued access for residents, demonstrating excellent use of taxpayer dollars.

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Glass Recycling for a Greener, More Economical Union County

Union County's innovative recycling center, funded by SPLOST, transforms glass waste into useful sand and pea gravel, saving taxpayers money, reducing landfill use, and demonstrating smart resource management, further establishing the county's commitment to environmental sustainability and economic efficiency.

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Enhancing Union County's Roadways

In Union County, the essential task of maintaining over 800 miles of roads, crucial for safety and visibility, is efficiently managed by the Road Department using a variety of equipment funded by SPLOST, demonstrating a shared financial approach that avoids overburdening property taxpayers.

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Glass Recycling: From Waste to Economic Resource

SPLOST funds supported the establishment of a recycling center that safely turns glass into useful gravel.

Roadways: Ensuring a Safe Path

SPLOST funds ensure the county can purchase lawn mowers and other equipment essential to maintaining road safety.

Bridges: Connecting and Protecting Communities

SPLOST funds are used to reinforce bridges and add infrastructure to foster economic growth.

Investing in Better Infrastructure for Our Community

By improving roads, bridges, and utilities, we are creating safer and more efficient transportation systems, attracting new businesses, and fostering economic growth.

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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.

The Blairsville Sorghum Festival

Get Involved in Building Infrastructure

Join us in shaping the future of Union County's infrastructure projects. Your voice matters!

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Infrastructure Projects

Transforming Union County through SPLOST-funded infrastructure improvements

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.

SPLOST FAQs

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

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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.

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:

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.

How is our sales tax broken down when we spend money in Union County?

In Union County, the total sales tax rate is 7% on purchases, with this amount being divided among various state and local taxes, each serving distinct purposes. Here is how it breaks down:

State Sales Tax - 4%: This portion goes directly to the state government of Georgia. It is used for state-wide initiatives, such as funding various projects and services that benefit the entire state.
Local Option Sales Tax (LOST) - 1%: This is a local tax that helps offset the County’s millage rate on property taxes. The revenue from this tax is crucial for balancing the County's budget and reducing the tax burden on property owners.
Union County Schools’ Education SPLOST (E-SPLOST) - 1%: This sales tax is dedicated to supporting the educational system in Union County. The funds from E-SPLOST are used for crucial school-related projects, such as improving infrastructure, enhancing educational facilities, and other needs specific to the local schools.
Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) - 1%: SPLOST is a voter-approved, time-limited sales tax that is earmarked for specific local projects. The revenue generated from this tax is allocated for capital projects, such as building roads, improving schools, and enhancing parks and recreational facilities in Union County.

Each time you make a purchase in Union County, these taxes collectively contribute to a variety of essential services and projects. They ensure that your spending not only meets your personal needs but also supports the development of the community, encompassing everything from state initiatives to local infrastructure, education, and public safety.

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.

What happens if SPLOST revenue exceeds its projections?

If SPLOST revenue exceeds projections, the excess funds must still be used for the specified projects. If all projects are completed and funds remain, they may be used for other capital projects as long as they fall within the scope of the original SPLOST referendum.