Athenians head to the polls Tuesday to decide on the SPLOST 2020 referendum. If passed, the measure is expected to raise more than $314 million over 11 years. The money will fund 37 projects.
Laura Carter is a member of SPLOST 2020 Citizens’ Advisory Committee which was responsible for whittling down a list that started with 88 projects and totaled $1.2 billion in costs.
“We don’t have an exact breakdown, but what you have to remember is that the vast majority of sales tax is paid for by people who come in from surrounding counties, our Metropolitan Statistical Area, MSA, which are the people who drive in from other counties to work here,” according to Carter. “It is also paid for by the visitors who come to all the conferences and conventions.”
There is some opposition to the SPLOST.
In a statement to WUGA, Gordon Rhoden, Chairman of the Clarke County GOP, said Clarke County will send a message to the Mayor and Commissioner. And that it is a message of taxation without representation or a head nod to massive spending on a majority of projects that are not critical to the operations of this county.”
It the measure is approved, Athens’ tax rate will continue at 8%, with collections from the new SPLOST to begin in April 2020 after a current tax ends in March.
