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 2017 SPLOST is anticipated to raise an estimated $64,800,000 for county and municipal projects.

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 receives 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.

2023 SPLOST

Newton County voters will get an opportunity to vote on a 2023 SPLOST. The SPLOST committee is currently accepting requests for projects. Community organizations can submit requests to be considered by the SPLOST committee here: SPLOST REQUEST FORM

2017 SPLOST

The 2017 SPLOST was approved by Newton County voters on March 21, 2017.

Each municipality within Newton County came up with a list of projects they felt are needed in their city or town and the county put together a committee of citizens to come up with items that will be paid for through SPLOST moneys.