Bulloch County voters will soon decide whether to extend the Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) for another six years. Early voting begins on Monday, February 24th and the last day to vote will be Tuesday, March 18th.
If you’ve ever wondered what good a penny can do, this is it, funding essential projects throughout the county. The March 18th vote will determine if SPLOST continues, generating an estimated $138 million without raising property taxes.
What is SPLOST?
SPLOST is a one cent sales tax that funds major county projects, think infrastructure, public safety, parks, and utilities. Unlike property taxes, which only homeowners pay, SPLOST is collected from everyone who spends money in Bulloch County. Whether you live here or are just passing through, every purchase chips in to improve the community.
Currently, Bulloch County’s total sales tax rate is 8%. Here’s where that money goes:
- 4% to the State of Georgia
- 1% to SPLOST (Special Purpose Local Option Sales tax which funds capital projects listed below - voters will decide if this funding source continues or not)
- 1% to ESPLOST (Education Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax for special Bulloch Schools projects)
- 1% to LOST (Local Option Sales Tax for Bulloch Schools general fund expenses)
- 1% to TSPLOST (Transportation Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax for roads and infrastructure)
What Will SPLOST Pay For?
If approved, SPLOST will fund several critical projects in Bulloch County and its cities. The total estimated revenue is $138 million, and funds will be distributed as follows:
Joint and Priority Projects ($60.6 million)
- Bulloch County Jail Expansion: $51,000,000
- Solid Waste Regional Landfill Purchase: $9,600,000
Bulloch County Projects ($43.1 million)
- Public Safety: $27,725,000
- Recreational Facilities: $9,000,000
- Solid Waste Facilities: $3,204,066
- Voting Equipment: $320,000
- Administrative Building Improvements: $1,500,000
- Courthouse and Judicial Facilities: $640,000
- Information Technology Upgrades: $715,000
Statesboro Projects ($31.9 million)
- Public Safety: $12,792,020
- Water and Sewer: $3,210,000
- Natural Gas Infrastructure: $1,230,000
- Administrative Facilities: $3,500,000
- Cultural Facilities: $400,000
- Parks, Trails, and Greenspaces: $3,300,000
- Public Works & Cemetery: $1,250,000
- Stormwater Improvements: $4,650,000
- Public Parking Lots: $1,000,000
- Economic Development: $1,000,000
Brooklet Projects ($1.6 million)
- Water and Sewer: $863,160
- Public Works: $259,500
- Vehicle and Equipment Purchases: $502,740
Portal Projects ($611,460)
- Water and Sewer: $561,460
- Public Safety Equipment: $50,000
Register Projects ($147,060)
- Water Main Improvement: $100,000
- Office Equipment Upgrades: $5,000
- Community Center Improvements: $30,000
- New Roof on Water Pump Building: $2,500
- Town Hall Improvements: $9,560
The Role of the Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA)
The Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA), approved by the Bulloch County Board of Commissioners and municipalities on November 19, 2024, outlines how SPLOST funds will be distributed among the county and cities. The IGA allows the county to issue up to $60 million in bonds for jail expansion, with SPLOST revenue used to repay this debt. If collections exceed $138 million, excess funds will go toward paying down the jail debt before being used elsewhere.
Voting Information
If you want a say in how these funds are spent, here’s what you need to know:
- Registration Deadline: February 18, 2025. If you’re not registered to vote, now’s the time.
- Early Voting: Runs from February 24 to March 14, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Bulloch County Annex-Elections Office. Two Saturday voting days are available on March 1 and March 8 (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.).
- Absentee Ballots: Request by March 7 if you prefer to vote by mail.
- Election Day: March 18, with polls open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Why Does This Matter?
SPLOST has been in place since 1989, funding projects that might otherwise require increased property taxes. This vote isn’t about creating a new tax, it’s about whether to continue what’s already in place. Whether you’re in favor of these projects or not, this is your chance to make your voice heard.
Local leaders stress that a “Yes” vote means continued investments in roads, safety, and essential services, while a “No” vote could force difficult budget decisions. However you vote, being informed is the most important step.
For more details or to check your polling place, visit Bulloch County Elections.
Here is a video from the City of Statesboro that may explain better:
