Savannah Standard

The City of Savannah is currently engaging residents with a new survey to gather input on the proposed Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) referendum, which is expected to be on the November ballot. This survey is accessible online at savannahga.gov/splost8survey.

Community members are asked to prioritize areas such as Parks and Recreation, Community Development, Public Safety, Stormwater and Drainage Projects, Traffic and Transportation, and Municipal Investments. They can also simulate budgeting by distributing $100 across these sectors, reflecting their funding priorities for SPLOST 8.

Chatham County provided a timeline on March 17 to guide local municipalities in preparing for the SPLOST 8 referendum. By May 23, municipalities need to submit an approved list of prioritized projects. The SPLOST 8 survey is open until May 16 for community input.

A vote on an intergovernmental agreement (IGA) by municipalities is planned for July 16. This IGA will define the capital projects that will be financed through SPLOST 8. Upon approval, the SPLOST referendum will progress to final notifications before its inclusion on the November 4 ballot.

The SPLOST, a one percent sales tax, supports capital projects for local government and requires voter approval. It was implemented in Georgia in 1985. For Savannah, SPLOST 1-7 has brought in nearly $700 million, with over $1.5 billion collected county-wide, largely funded by visitor spending which contributes almost 40% of the sales taxes.

In Savannah, previous SPLOST funding has facilitated projects like road paving, drainage systems, City Hall renovations, and new recreational facilities. More broadly, Chatham County has directed 73% of SPLOST funds to roadways and drainage. Other allocations include the Savannah International Trade and Convention Center, which delivers over $200 million annually in visitor-driven economic impact.