Watkinsville council approves intergovernmental agreement with Oconee County for proposed 2027 SPLOST IV

The Watkinsville Mayor and Council voted unanimously Jan. 21 to approve an intergovernmental agreement with Oconee County that would make the city eligible to receive 7.77% of county SPLOST IV proceeds over the six-year collection period if voters approve the referendum. Councilmember Thomas moved to approve the agreement and Councilmember Campbell seconded; the motion carried 4-0.

Manager Dickerson told the council the SPLOST timeline and listed four proposed categories for any Watkinsville allocation: transportation and infrastructure; public safety facilities and equipment; parks and recreation; and community government facilities and equipment. Mayor Brodrick then invited Oconee County Chairman Daniell to comment; Chairman Daniell reiterated that SPLOST funds provide capital resources for local infrastructure and can help reduce pressure on property taxes.

The agreement approved by the council does not itself authorize spending; it is an intergovernmental pact to participate in the countywide SPLOST process. Any projects funded for Watkinsville from SPLOST IV would still require project selection and the countywide referendum to pass. The next procedural step is carrying the IGA forward under the county’s SPLOST timetable and, if placed on the ballot, seeking voter approval in the proposed 2027 referendum.

The council vote was 4-0 in favor. The approval was procedural: staff will continue coordinating with Oconee County under the terms specified in the agreement.