Columbia County is on its way to bringing in $288 million over the next five years, one penny at a time.
On Tuesday, voters approved extending the Special Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST), with about 60 percent voting yes on the ballot. SPLOST adds a penny per dollar to the local sales tax. That extra cent goes toward a fund the county uses for a wide range of improvement projects, including roads, schools, public safety, and parks and recreation facilities.
Tuesday’s vote authorizes SPLOST for 2023-28. During that time, the pennies will accrue to about $288 million. SPLOST has been in effect in the county since 1990.
Some of the additional revenue comes from the influx of tourists during Masters Week. It also helps keep property taxes lower – counties often pay for the projects that SPLOST covers by increasing property taxes.
