Commission approves FLOST resolution for Nov. 4 ballot to raise 1% sales tax for property tax relief

The Cusseta–Chattahoochee County Commission on Sept. 2 voted unanimously to send a one percent Flexible Local Option Sales Tax (FLOST) resolution to the county elections superintendent for placement on the Nov. 4, 2025 ballot. Chairman Charles Coffey read the resolution and told commissioners the revenue would be dedicated to reducing the county portion of property tax.

Under the draft language included in the meeting record, the FLOST would be imposed for a term not to exceed 20 calendar quarters (five years) and would be levied under Article 2b of Chapter 8 of Title 48 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated. The resolution directs the elections superintendent to call the election, publish required notices and, if approved by voters, have the county implement the tax as authorized by state law.

The ballot form approved for submission asks voters to approve a special one percent sales and use tax in Cusseta–Chattahoochee County for property tax relief, using the wording recorded in the resolution. County Clerk Lisa Bickel was recorded as the official contact on the resolution, and the board asked that the elections superintendent canvass returns and certify results to the secretary of state and the state revenue commissioner.

The commission’s action on Sept. 2 was procedural: it approved forwarding the resolution and ballot wording to election officials for ballot placement and public notice. A final implementation step would depend on voter approval at the Nov. 4 election and subsequent administrative steps required by state statute.

What’s next: the resolution requests the elections superintendent publish the statutory notice in the county newspaper and to hold the election on Nov. 4, 2025. If voters approve the measure, the commission’s resolution sets out the intended five‑year term and allocation purpose; administrative steps and certification would follow state procedures.