Impact

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.

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.

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

Our Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) has proven to be a significant source of revenue for Union County. Union County’s monthly average in our current SPLOST is $617,892, which averages just over $7.4 million in year. This substantial amount reflects our community's active participation and contribution toward the development and betterment of our County.

Furthermore, since the inception of the current SPLOST, we've successfully secured $3.5 million in matching funds. This additional financial support amplifies the impact of our SPLOST, enabling us to undertake larger and more beneficial projects for our community.

These funds play a crucial role in financing a variety of public projects, ranging from infrastructure improvements to enhancing public facilities, all aimed at elevating the quality of life in Union County.

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.