Fulton County staff outline plan and timeline for T‑SPLOST 3 referendum ahead of 2026 ballot

Fulton County's director of public works, David Clark, told the Board that the county and its municipal partners expect to prepare a T‑SPLOST 3 referendum for voters in November 2026, with any new five‑year cycle running from April 1, 2027, through March 31, 2032.

Clark recapped the prior two cycles: the first (April 2017–March 2022) collected about $523 million countywide (less than initial projection), and the second (April 2022–March 2027) has exceeded projections and is averaging roughly 115 percent of expected revenue. He told commissioners the county will again contract with Georgia State University for sales‑tax projections and will invite cities to develop project lists between now and May 2026.

Clark said Fulton County's role is program oversight and distribution; individual cities propose and implement projects. He reviewed examples of projects funded by earlier T‑SPLOST cycles — roundabouts, resurfacing, sidewalks, intersection improvements and trails — and urged continued collaboration with municipal partners on the project master list and intergovernmental agreements.

Timeline and next steps: Clark said sales‑tax projections will be prepared next month, cities will be asked to assemble project lists by May 2026, the county will seek a signed resolution and intergovernmental agreements from municipalities by August 2026 and that a referendum would be placed on the Nov. 3, 2026 ballot if the board chooses that path.

Why it matters: T‑SPLOST is a major local funding source for transportation projects throughout Fulton County; decisions on a new cycle influence city capital plans and regional mobility projects.

Ending: Commissioners broadly spoke in favor of renewed outreach to cities and suggested a joint kickoff meeting with city mayors early next year to review priorities and project lists.