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.

Will the need for SPLOST ever go away?

The Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) is a financing method for funding capital outlay projects in the county. It's important to understand that the need for SPLOST is closely tied to the ongoing development requirements of our community. As Union County continues to grow and evolve, there will always be a need for new infrastructure, improvements, and community enhancements. These can include roads, bridges, public facilities, parks, and emergency services equipment.

While it's conceivable that the specific projects funded by SPLOST may change over time, the fundamental need for a funding source like SPLOST is likely to persist. This is because infrastructure and community needs are continuously evolving. SPLOST allows for these essential projects to be funded without increasing property taxes, making it a vital tool for sustainable community development.

While the specific needs and projects may vary over time, the need for a funding mechanism like SPLOST to support the growth of our community infrastructure is expected to continue as long as our community keeps growing and evolving.

How does SPLOST impact local businesses?

SPLOST can positively impact local businesses by improving infrastructure and public amenities, which can attract more customers and enhance the overall business environment. However, businesses must collect the additional sales tax, which might slightly increase the cost of goods and services for consumers.

How does the County come up with projects for the SPLOST ballot/referendum?

The process for selecting projects for the SPLOST ballot in Union County involves a comprehensive and community-oriented approach. It includes the following key steps:

Community Input and Needs Assessment: The County starts by gathering input from community members, local businesses, and key stakeholders. Public forums, surveys, and meetings are conducted to understand the community’s priorities and needs.
Collaboration with Departments: Various County departments, such as transportation, education, public works, and emergency services, submit proposals for projects that require funding. These proposals are based on long-term planning, infrastructure needs, and community services enhancement.
Feasibility and Impact Analysis: Each project proposal undergoes a thorough analysis to assess its feasibility, cost-effectiveness, and potential impact on the community. This includes evaluating the benefits, projected costs, and long-term sustainability.
Prioritization and Selection: The County officials, often in collaboration with a committee or advisory group, prioritize the projects based on the community's needs, potential impact, and available funding. This process ensures that the most critical and beneficial projects are selected.
Legal and Compliance Review: Before finalizing the list, each project is reviewed for legal compliance and alignment with SPLOST regulations. This step ensures that all projects meet statutory requirements.
Drafting Ballot Language: Once the projects are finalized, the County drafts clear and precise language for the SPLOST ballot. This language is designed to be easily understood by voters, outlining the purpose and scope of each project.
Public Awareness and Education: Before the referendum, the County undertakes an educational campaign to inform the public about the proposed SPLOST projects. This includes providing detailed information on how the funds will be used and the expected benefits to the community.

By following these steps, Union County ensures that the projects selected for the SPLOST ballot are in line with community needs and priorities, offering transparency and accountability in the use of taxpayer funds.

How does SPLOST work?

The Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) is a program that allows counties to levy an additional sales tax for a specific period of time. The revenue generated from SPLOST is used to fund various projects and initiatives that benefit the community, such as enhancing the overall quality of life, enhancing public safety, and improving public infrastructure.