Public Safety

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.

Yes, voters do have the opportunity to vote on the Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST). SPLOST is a financing method for funding capital outlay projects in the county that is approved by local voters. Essentially, it is a program that allows the county to collect an additional sales tax, typically 1%, that is used specifically for predetermined projects such as building new schools, improving roads, or developing parks.

Before a SPLOST can be implemented, it must first be approved by a majority of the county's voters in a referendum. This referendum is usually held in conjunction with other local, state, or federal elections to ensure a broad base of voter participation. The referendum includes detailed information about the specific projects that the SPLOST revenue will fund, giving voters a clear understanding of where their tax dollars will be spent.

SPLOST is a democratic process where voters have a direct say in whether or not they want to implement this additional sales tax for the benefit of their community's infrastructure and development projects.

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.

If you are interested in getting involved in the SPLOST program, there are several ways to participate. You can attend public meetings and hearings to voice your opinions and suggestions, join community organizations that advocate for specific projects or initiatives, and stay informed about upcoming SPLOST-related events and opportunities to provide input.

The Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) is a financing method for funding capital outlay projects in the State of Georgia. It allows counties to add a local sales tax of up to 1% to fund specific projects, such as building roads, improving schools, or developing parks. This tax is approved by local voters and can only be used for the purposes specified before the vote.