We have heard a lot lately about the upcoming elections on Tuesday, Nov. 5. From the presidency and congressional seats to local leadership and Henry County’s future are on the ballot.
Recently, the Chamber’s Board of Directors voted to endorse the County and Cities’ SPLOST VI request. Extend The Penny details the history of prior SPLOSTs as well as the proposed projects in VI. In the end, we hope you will agree that the request is a strong investment in Henry County.
SPLOST (Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax) is a financing method that allows counties and municipalities in Georgia to fund capital outlay projects—like roads, bridges, parks, and schools—through a temporary sales tax.
At its core, SPLOST is a voter-approved 1% sales tax added to the existing sales tax in a county. This additional tax is collected over a set period and is specifically earmarked for particular projects that benefit the community. Because a successful intergovernmental agreement was reached between the county and its cities, the six-year program is estimated to collect $470 million.
As approved by the County Commission, the projects include more than $216 million in transportation projects. An additional $96 million will go toward capital projects to enhance public safety, senior services, parks and recreation, and more.
What Can SPLOST Funds Be Used For?
The funds collected through SPLOST can only be used for capital outlay projects—meaning long-term assets that serve the public good. These include:
SPLOST funds cannot be used for operational expenses like salaries or routine maintenance. This restriction ensures that the money is spent on projects that provide lasting benefits to the community.
The SPLOST VI anticipates a $470 million in collections over the six years of the program. Based on population, the County receives 68% or $319.6 million while the cities split 32% or $150.4 million.
In the capital projects list, more than $96.8 million is allocated for improvements. For public safety improvements, $39.5 is assigned to facilities and equipment. An additional $20 million is estimated for Hidden Valley Senior Center replacement and design for a new senior center. More than $20.4 million is budgeted for the comprehensive parks master plan recommendations including playgrounds, pickleball courts, field upgrades and more. Other facilities include $12.9 million for airport upgrades and the Locust Grove tag office and a community resource center. Finally, $4 million will go toward fleet replacement and technology upgrades.
SPLOST empowers Henry County to decide which projects are most important to our residents and employers. Since these projects are approved by voters, local control and accountability is retained. As a Henry County voter, I (and you) can see exactly where those dollars are going and how we benefit from the improvements.
Because SPLOST is a sales tax, everyone who makes a purchase in Henry County contributes. In fact, estimates have shown that approximately 50 percent of SPLOST collections come from tourists and visitors to Henry County. Additionally, the sales tax isn’t simply restricted to property owners.
Well-maintained infrastructure and public amenities provide economic development. This can be observed through business attraction and expansion, new residents, and increased visitor spending. During the last five SPLOSTs, projects funded had improved our quality of life as well. From fire stations to public libraries, from recreation centers to sidewalks, SPLOST projects have delivered.
Finally, by using the pay-as-you-go approach through SPLOST, this program helps our local governments avoid taking on additional debt for these improvements. Instead of borrowing money and paying interest (which impacts us all), SPLOST saves us money on those road improvements, libraries, and public spaces.
So far, we’ve discussed the basics of SPLOST and its benefits. SPLOST is a powerful tool that enables Georgia communities to fund essential capital projects without burdening property owners with higher taxes or accumulating debt. By giving residents a direct say in local development, SPLOST address the community's most pressing needs.
As the primary destination marketing organization (visitors bureau) for Henry County, we are excited to report that Gov. Kemp recently announced Georgia broke tourism records for the second consecutive year.
According to the Georgia Department of Economic Development, Henry County reached the top 10 of Georgia’s 159 counties in visitor spending. That’s pretty impressive to be in the company of Fulton, Cobb, Glynn, Chatham, Richmond, and Muscogee.
Total visitor spending totaled $504.1 million for 2023. For a household in Henry County, this represents a tax savings of more than $400. Henry realized the fourth largest growth behind Cobb, Fulton, and Clayton counties.
So what? I’m glad you asked. With the growth in tourism to Henry County, the $85 million spent on lodging, $149 million spent on food and beverage, and $92.5 million spent on retail mean our tax collections from visitors is significant.
Estimates are that one-half of all collections are from visitors. As a result, SPLOST collections that improve our quality of life – through transportation improvements, parks and public spaces, and public safety, are supported by visitors to Henry. That’s a pretty great deal, don’t you think?
We are days from the November 5 election. From the presidency and congressional races down to city council and board of commissioners, Henry County residents are being urged to vote – to support continued growth in our quality of life.
SPLOST VI is a six-year investment program. The County and cities have an intergovernmental agreement which means the cities receive their share of the collections – more than $150 million.
In Stockbridge, that includes design for enhancements to Patrick Henry Parkway from Jodeco Road to Eagles Landing Parkway. It also includes resurfacing of East Atlanta Road, Eagles Landing Parkway, Hudson Bridge Road, Flippen Road, and East Lake Parkway. Stockbridge joint projects are estimated at more than $20.5 million.
In McDonough, the joint projects are estimated at more than $28.3 million for McDonough Parkway and Jonesboro Road widening as well as sidewalks on Camp Creek Greenway path and intersection improvements at McDonough Parkway @ Bridges Road, Henry Parkway @ Henry Parkway Connector, Industrial Boulevard @ Henry Parkway and Racetrack Road @ Travis Drive.
Locust Grove has included projects that widen SR 42 (which receives a GDOT match) as well as intersection improvements for Peeksville Road @ LeGuin Mill Road.
Finally, Hampton plans to resurface Main Steet/Old Highway 3 from the Spalding County line to Amah Lee.
Last month, the Chamber Board voted to support the SPLOST referendum on November’s ballot. Extending that penny tax for six more years will mean a great deal in our efforts to modernize and improve our quality of life.
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