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Pickens County outlines proposed SPLOST projects and estimated allocations ahead of November vote
Summary
County staff presented a summary of proposed SPLOST (special-purpose local-option sales tax) projects and estimated allocations across public safety, parks and recreation, transportation, water and municipal shares; staff said the November 4 ballot will include a referendum and bond authorization element.
Pickens County staff presented an overview of proposed projects and estimated revenue allocations that would be funded by a continuation/renewal of the county's one-cent special-purpose local-option sales tax (SPLOST), should voters approve the referendum on the November 4 ballot.
Staff said the ballot package contains two parts required by law: a referendum to continue collecting the one-cent sales tax and a bond authorization to accelerate projects that would otherwise be funded over years of collection. The presentation listed project categories and estimated five-year allocations drawn from historical sales-tax estimates.
Key project-category figures presented in the meeting included: a public safety operations, training facilities and equipment allocation of $15,000,000 (which staff said could also be used for a new animal shelter and radio-system improvements); $7,200,000 for public safety facilities and vehicles; $6,000,000 for law enforcement facilities, vehicles and equipment; $13,600,000 for parks and recreation improvements including multi-field turf, a pickleball complex and an indoor pool (the school system reportedly committed to assist with the indoor pool upgrade); $3,000,000 for water and sewer facility improvements; $6,000,000 for transportation/road improvements; $600,000 for general government facilities and equipment; $3,000,000 specifically referenced for a new tax commissioner facility (including renovation of existing county space); and a combined municipal allocation of approximately $8,532,000 to be distributed to cities by statutory apportionment.
Staff emphasized that the referendum is structured to continue the existing one-cent rate (not add an additional penny) but also includes bond language so projects can begin sooner. Presenters said early voting would open soon and the county had been running public information posts and open houses. No formal county action was taken at the work session; staff said they would continue outreach and expected to present any final details before ballots are cast.
