Public Safety

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

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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.

Yes, the City of Blairsville does receive funding from the Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST). SPLOST is a financing method for funding capital outlay projects proposed by the county government and participating qualified municipal governments. In Union County, SPLOST funds are collected through a small percentage added to the sales tax on all eligible purchases within the county.

The distribution of SPLOST funds is based on an agreement among the participating entities, which typically include the county and its municipalities. The City of Blairsville, being a significant part of Union County, is included in this agreement and receives a portion of the SPLOST revenue. These funds are earmarked for specific projects that benefit the city, such as infrastructure improvements, facility upgrades, and other capital projects that have been identified and approved as part of the SPLOST program.

Union County currently has an IntergovernmentalAgreement (IGA) with the City of Blairsville, with a negotiated 8.5% of SPLOST collections going to the City of Blairsville after a 1% administration fee.

It's important to note that SPLOST funds must be used for capital projects and cannot be used for operational expenses. This means that while SPLOST can finance the construction or renovation of facilities, it cannot be used for salaries, utility bills, or general operating expenses of the city.

The City of Blairsville, in coordination with Union County, identifies and prioritizes projects that will be funded through SPLOST. These projects are typically outlined in a SPLOST referendum that voters approve. This ensures that the residents have a say in how these funds are utilized and allows for transparent and accountable management of taxpayer money.

Yes, many other counties in Georgia utilize the Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST). In 2023, out of the 159 counties in the state of Georgia, 155 counties had a SPLOST. SPLOST is a popular tool for funding specific capital projects in Georgia counties and cities. The reasons for its widespread adoption include:

1. Flexibility in Funding Projects: SPLOST allows counties to fund large-scale projects without the need for federal or state funding, giving them more control over local developments.
2. Voter Approval: Since SPLOST must be approved by voters in a referendum, it ensures that the tax is only implemented when there is public support for the proposed projects.
3. Burden Sharing with Non-Residents: Because SPLOST is a sales tax, it is paid by anyone who makes eligible purchases within the county, including tourists and visitors, not just the residents. This spreads the cost of local improvements more widely.
4. Avoiding Increases in Property Taxes: SPLOST can fund projects that might otherwise require an increase in property taxes, making it a more palatable option for many voters and officials.
5. Time-Limited and Project-Specific: SPLOST is implemented for a specific time period (usually five to six years) and can only be used for the projects listed in the referendum. This specificity and time limitation often make it more acceptable to voters.

The use of SPLOST is common in both urban and rural areas across Georgia, as it provides a practical way to finance important local projects, such as road improvements, school building renovations, park development, and emergency services upgrades. Each county’s SPLOST plan is tailored to its unique needs and priorities, reflecting the specific goals and projects that local residents and officials find most important.

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.