The upcoming TSPLOST referendum is an important decision for the community, as it will determine whether a proposed one-cent sales tax will be implemented to fund various transportation projects. The result of this referendum will influence the future development and maintenance of local transportation infrastructure.
Transportation SPLOST Referendum: November 5, 2024 Early Vote: October 15, 2024
The following PDF documents provided below detail the specific roads designated for repair and maintenance contingent upon the passage of the county’s TSPLOST. By reviewing these documents, residents can gain insight into how the proposed funding will directly benefit their community through targeted road improvements.
TSPLOST presents a valuable chance to finance local transportation projects through a one-cent sales tax, contingent on voter approval. According to Georgia law, TSPLOST funds are exclusively designated for transportation-related uses. Additionally, these funds must be maintained in a separate account for auditing and an annual expense report must be published. Although “transportation purposes” can cover a wide range of activities, in Gilmer County, it specifically refers to the repair of roads that have long been in need of maintenance.
Why TSPLOST?
The county does not include substantial funding for road improvements in its millage rate. The Board of Commissioners regularly rolls back the millage rate and uses new revenue from growth to ease the financial load on property owners. To generate the same revenue as a one-penny TSPLOST, the county would need to raise the millage rate by 2.77 mills. There are 503 miles of unincorporated roads in Gilmer County.
Who pays TSPLOST?
Sales tax is paid by both residents and visitors. This means that anyone who visits an apple orchard, spends money while in the county for the Georgia Apple Festival, a local school or sports event, or enjoys a mountain getaway, helps support road improvements. As a result, the financial burden for these improvements is shared beyond just property owners.
TSPLOST Timeline
Should voters approve the referendum on November 5, a five-year TSPLOST would start on April 1, 2025. The county aims to resurface 57 miles of roads each year using TSPLOST funds. By the end of 2029, an estimated 285 miles will be resurfaced. These estimates are based on the current price of materials and subject to change.
How many miles of road are maintained by Gilmer County?
Gilmer County has 503 miles of roads.
How much does it cost to pave roads?
Gilmer County currently pays $250,000 for one mile of asphalt pavement.
Who pays the tax?
The one cent sales tax is paid by anyone, citizen or visitor, when the purchase items in Gilmer County.
Will the one cent tax be included on my vehicle purchase?
No. Vehicle purchases are exempt.
Will we have to pay the one cent sales tax if it is passed regionally?
Yes, but Gilmer County will have little to no control on how the funds are allocated in the region.
How long would the TSPLOST be in place?
The TSPLOST would last five years starting on April 1, 2025.
How much roadway would Gilmer County repave per year if the TSPLOST is passed?
Gilmer County aims to pave approximately 57 miles of road per year if approved.
How many miles of road can Gilmer County paved within the current budget and millage rate?
Gilmer County can pave approximately eleven miles of road per year currently. It would take approximately 45 years to pave all the roads once if material costs stay static.
Sample Ballot Question:
Shall a special one percent sales and use tax be imposed in the special district consisting of Gilmer County for a period of time not to exceed five years and for the raising of an estimated amount of $42,000,000.00 for transoportation purposes?
Yes
No
The Gilmer Chamber does not endorse or oppose any referendums. Our role is solely to provide the community with factual, unbiased information to ensure informed decision-making. We are committed to sharing details and disseminating information to our members and the community.
