20 hours Ago By Sarah Smith
CHATHAM COUNTY, Ga. (WSAV) -- The Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) is expected to be on the ballot in Chatham County this November.The one-penny tax would pay for a variety of projects throughout the county.
Savannah Mayor Van Johnson said many people don't realize just how much of a role SPLOST plays in their day-to-day life."Our community has evidence of SPLOST all the way around," Johnson said. Specifically in Savannah, Enmarket Arena, new Savannah Fire trucks and even drainage treatment have all been funded by the tax, according to Johnson.
"Because of our huge tourism base, at least a third to a quarter of it is paid for by people who visit here. So, this is a very effective tool for us," Johnson said. "The challenge is that it's a county referendum, so everybody else has to have their act together too.
"According to a proposed timeline, each municipality in Chatham will come up with a project wish list for the commissioners to consider spending the money on. That list is due May 23.The Board of Commissioners will vote on the county's project list on June 13.
Municipalities will vote on June 16, and a public notice of the election call must be put out on July 25. Election Day is November 4.Johnson shared some things he'd like to see SPLOST cover in Savannah, "affordable housing, public art, ADA opportunities throughout our community, continue with our march on drainage and how do we address issues of drainage and traffic calming in all of our communities.
"While SPLOST is different than Transportation-SPLOST, Johnson said the tax could also help relieve the congestion on Benton and Highlands Boulevard.“It is a mess. We wish we would have been able to raise the money during T-SPLOST.
But again, T-SPLOST passed in Savannah. It failed countywide. This project is probably not most appropriate for SPLOST, but we have to do something," he said.
"I'm hoping that we approach it with sense and some good judgment, and we create something that our residents can support.".
