SPLOST VI October 8, 2014 Dawson County Chamber of Commerce tiny.cc/SPLOST
What is SPLOST? SPECIAL PURPOSE LOCAL OPTION SALES TAX 1% optional sales tax levied by Georgia counties Collections can only be used for capital outlay projects Capital outlay projects = major projects of a permanent, long-lived nature, such as land, equipment, and structures The revenue generated cannot be used towards operating expenses or most maintenance projects SPLOST law explicitly allows the expenditure of funds for maintenance and repair of roads, streets and bridges
SPLOST VI- The Facts SPLOST VI is expected to raise $46 million in Dawson County over 6 years
The county will receive 85% of collections and the city will receive 15% of collections
If passed, SPLOST VI will begin in June of 2015
If funds exceed projections, funds can only be applied to projects on the voted upon list
The sales tax rate will not change
Sales tax is currently 7% and will stay 7%
Residents only make up 15% of SPLOST taxpayer base Bottom line: We enjoy infrastructure and facilities that are mostly paid for by individuals who do not reside in Dawson County
Past projects funded by SPLOST:
SPLOST History • First SPLOST in Dawson County passed in the late 1980’s • SPLOST has been renewed 5 times E-911, Fire Stations, Ambulances & Equipment
Dawson County Library
Sheriff’s Office & Detention Center Government Center
Ag Center Renovations Sidewalks Roads & Bridges
Rock Creek Park & Improvements to Veterans Park
Where do the funds go?
18% Public Safety
46% Roads, Bridges & Sidewalks
20% Parks, Recreation & Facilities
16% Public Works
Parks, Recreation & Facilities- 20% New Canoe Put-In Acquisition of Additional Multi-use Fields Field Lighting Building Repair & Equipment Community Center
Main Street Park Acquisition & Development Farmers Market Construction & Land Acquisition Purchase of City Hall Building and Property
Public Safety- 18% Fire Station/Community Center (West Dawson County) Sheriff’s Office Vehicles & Equipment
Additional Ambulances Fire Truck & Equipment Information Technology Equipment
Roads, Bridges & Sidewalks- 46% Road Paving & Repair Sidewalks Bridges
Public Works- 16%
New County Public Works Facility Recycling Center (Southeast Dawson) Public Works Equipment City Sewer and Water Projects
What happens if SPLOST VI doesn’t pass? REDUCED INFRASTRUTCTURE/AMENITIES No additional park space or improvements Damaged roads that hurt economic development & our personal vehicles
INCREASED PUBLIC SAFETY RISK Emergency Services & the Sheriff’s Office will be less equipped to respond to emergencies and to protect our growing population
INCREASED TAXES If we still want to complete any of these projects, our current millage rate will not pay for them An increased millage rate means more taxes paid by businesses & residents
Help spread the news:
Share infographics on Facebook & Twitter Download from our website or visit the Dawson County Chamber Facebook page
Explain the facts to friends & family Encourage Dawson County citizens to vote Visit tiny.cc/SPLOST for more information
Sample Ballot Shall a special one percent sales and use tax be continued in Dawson County for a period of time of six years for the raising of approximately $46,000,000.00 for the purpose of funding (a)(i) roads, streets, bridges, culverts, and sidewalks; (ii) the acquisition, construction, remodeling or equipping of (A) a public works facility, (B) a recycling facility, (C) a fire station/community center, (D) recreation facilities, and (iii) the acquisition of (A) public works equipment, (B) sheriff vehicles and equipment, (C) public safety vehicles and equipment, and (D) information technology equipment, all for the benefit of the County, and (b)(i) roads, streets, bridges, sidewalks, and streetscape redevelopment and (ii) the acquisition, construction, remodeling and equipping of (A) City Hall, (B) City recreation facilities, (C) City sewer and water projects, (D) a City public works facility, and (iii) the acquisition of City public works equipment for the benefit of the City of Dawsonville (the “City�)?
• Early voting begins October 13th and runs through October 31st, Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm at the Board of Elections Office, 96 Academy Avenue
VOTE
• Saturday voting will be held once on Saturday, October 25th, 9am-4pm (this is the Saturday of the Moonshine Festival) • General Election Day- Tuesday, November 4th, 7am-7pm at your particular precinct • To view a sample ballot or find your precinct, visit: http://www.mvp.sos.ga.gov/