Commissioners free $23 million by reallocating SPLOST funds, add $500,000 to Animal Shelter Phase 2
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Summary
Fayette County commissioners approved reallocations across 2004, 2017 and 2023 SPLOSTs that free $23 million for 2023 projects and add $500,000 to the Animal Services Phase 2 for walking trails and a livestock building; the measures passed unanimously on June 13, 2024.
Fayette County’s Board of Commissioners approved a multi-year reallocation of Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) funds on June 13, 2024 that frees $23 million in 2023 SPLOST funding and directs money toward near-term county projects.
Assistant Chief Financial Officer Amanda Schoonover told the Board that $6 million could be freed from 2004 SPLOST reallocations and $17 million from 2017 SPLOST adjustments, producing $23 million available to reassign within the 2023 SPLOST. Schoonover said staff recommended using the funds for road maintenance, the Animal Services Building, a Parks and Recreation building, Sheriff’s Office needs, Fire & EMS, and 911.
Vice Chairman Edward Gibbons moved to approve the reallocation resolutions for the 2004, 2017 and 2023 SPLOST plans; Commissioner Charles W. Oddo seconded and the motions passed 4-0. County Administrator Steve Rapson clarified that the $500,000 proposed addition to the Animal Shelter was intended for Phase 2 work specifically described as walking trails and a livestock building.
Schoonover reviewed project completion and revenue details for 2004 and 2017 SPLOSTs, citing completed-project totals, $2.9 million in 2004 interest earnings available for reallocation, and a 2017 collection overage of $17.8 million that staff used to address cost increases and cross-over projects. County Attorney Dennis Davenport confirmed the reallocations were permissible because the funds would be used for projects of the same type, preserving statutory restrictions tied to SPLOST categories.
The discussion followed public comment from transportation stakeholders who asked for greater Transportation Committee review of specific projects previously funded or slated for reallocation. In response, Rapson noted slides in the presentation showing those projects had been vetted and said reallocating from slower-moving items would let the County complete more projects sooner and free 2023 funds for needs with immediate budget shortfalls.
The reallocation vote concludes a multi-stage staff review; the Board approved all three SPLOST reallocation items on the June 13 consent motions and will oversee implementation through standard project controls and reporting.