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SPLOST 101
What does it mean?
Special Purpose Local Option Sales TAX better known as
SPLOST is simply the SIXTH penny of sales tax.
SPLOST is a means for the community to levy a tax on everyone. This means you and me; it means every visitor to Fitzgerald shares in the cost of building and maintaining our community.
SPLOST dollars are used to fund capital projects. A great example is the Ben Hill County Public Safety Center; the cen
ter was built using SPLOST dollars. Numerous other projects within the community have received needed funding such as, Department of Leisure Services, the airport, the Carnegie Center and the Grand Theatre just to name a few.
SPLOST dollars have also been used with state and federal sources to maintain our community roads.
Why is it important for us to have SPLOST? Without SPLOST communities may not have the funding to upgrade infrastructure which as mentioned before includes buildings, roadwork etc., all of which is critical to economic development. You can't grow or even maintain if you don't take care of what you have or if you are not preparing for future growth.
We as citizens need good roads to travel on as we go about our busy day to day activities. We need places to attend activities and we need to be able to build new buildings to draw businesses to Fitzgerald, draw tourism and create jobs. Much of this is dependent upon the use of SPLOST dollars.
The SPLOST referendum vote is set for March 21, 2017. Should you want to see the list of projects from the intergovernmental agreement between the City and County please contact City Hall or the County Office. You may also refer back to the February 8, 2017 issue for the Herald Leader where you can find a detailed listing.
This is your community, just like your home and family you should take care of it. Use this opportunity to cost share with those who visit here as they stay in our hotels, shop in our stores and eat in our restaurants. The Chamber wants to see our community stay healthy and prosper. SPLOST is a means to make this a reality.
So, is it important for you to vote? YES it is. Please go to the polls March 21, 2017 and decide on the future of your community. Early voting has already begun.
The Herald Leader - February 8, 2017
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