The upcoming TSPLOST referendum is an important decision for the community, as it will determine whether a proposed one-cent sales tax will be implemented to fund various transportation projects. The result of this referendum will influence the future development and maintenance of local transportation infrastructure.
The Gilmer County Board of Commissioners will hold a Town Hall Style meeting to discuss the TSPLOST. This meeting will be held on Monday, September 30, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. in the Gilmer County Jury Assembly Room.
The following PDF documents provided below detail the specific roads designated for repair and maintenance contingent upon the passage of the county’s TSPLOST. By reviewing these documents, residents can gain insight into how the proposed funding will directly benefit their community through targeted road improvements.
The Gilmer Chamber does not endorse or oppose any referendums. Our role is solely to provide the community with factual, unbiased information to ensure informed decision-making. We are committed to sharing details and disseminating information to our members and the community.
TSPLOST Facts
What is TSPLOST?
TSPLOST presents a valuable chance to finance local transportation projects through a one-cent sales tax, contingent on voter approval. According to Georgia law, TSPLOST funds are exclusively designated for transportation-related uses. Additionally, these funds must be maintained in a separate account for auditing and an annual expense report must be published. Although “transportation purposes” can cover a wide range of activities, in Gilmer County, it specifically refers to the repair of roads that have long been in need of maintenance.
Why TSPLOST?
The county does not include substantial funding for road improvements in its millage rate. The Board of Commissioners regularly rolls back the millage rate and uses new revenue from growth to ease the financial load on property owners. To generate the same revenue as a one-penny TSPLOST, the county would need to raise the millage rate by 2.77 mills. There are 503 miles of unincorporated roads in Gilmer County.
Who pays TSPLOST?
Sales tax is paid by both residents and visitors. This means that anyone who visits an apple orchard, spends money while in the county for the Georgia Apple Festival, a local school or sports event, or enjoys a mountain getaway, helps support road improvements. As a result, the financial burden for these improvements is shared beyond just property owners.
TSPLOST Timeline
Should voters approve the referendum on November 5, a five-year TSPLOST would start on April 1, 2025. The county aims to resurface 57 miles of roads each year using TSPLOST funds. By the end of 2029, an estimated 285 miles will be resurfaced. These estimates are based on the current price of materials and subject to change.
