SPLOST
Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) is a 1% tax on all sales and uses in Newton County. SPLOST is used only for infrastructure and debt services. The 2023 SPLOST was approved with an anticipated revenue of $108 million for the entire County, including $84 million for projects through the Newton County government.
Newton County voters approved a 2023 SPLOST on Nov. 8, 2022.
Calculations are made based on previous year county sales to estimate what funding might be possible with the additional penny tax. From that amount, budgets are created for priority projects and estimates are made as to how distribute the funds to those projects. This information is placed on the ballot for the public referendum for voting.
The Newton County Board of Commissioners receive recommendations on SPLOST projects and order of completion from the SPLOST Oversight Committee.
Accrual Period
The SPLOST accrual period is typically five or six years during which the funds are accrued. Depending on the economy and urgency of need, some projects may be bonded in order to begin before all the money has accrued. The bond is then repaid with the SPLOST funds. The sales tax will be imposed for six years.