Chattooga County voters delivered a decisive victory for local infrastructure and public safety this week, overwhelmingly approving both the Transportation Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (T-SPLOST) and the Floating Local Option Sales Tax (FLOST) referendums.

The successful passage of both measures signals a strong commitment by residents to improve the county’s roads, bridges, and emergency capabilities. According to information released Friday by the office of Sole Commissioner Andy Allen, the new sales taxes are scheduled to take effect in 2026. The Floating Local Option Sales Tax (FLOST) will go into effect on January 1, 2026, followed by the Transportation Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (T-SPLOST) on April 1, 2026.

Sole Commissioner Andy Allen expressed profound gratitude for the trust voters placed in the county’s plan for the new revenue streams.

“Chattooga voters made a clear investment in our county’s future by passing both the T-SPLOST and FLOST referendums,” stated Commissioner Allen. “These measures provide us with the revenue we need to repair and modernize roads and bridges, strengthen public safety, and support essential services that enhance the quality of life for every community in Chattooga.”

T-SPLOST Funding Targets Aging Infrastructure

The T-SPLOST, a dedicated sales tax approved solely for transportation projects, is expected to significantly address the county’s persistent challenges with aging infrastructure.

Officials anticipate that this funding will be crucial for necessary repairs, upgrades, and potentially new construction projects across Chattooga County. The primary goal of the T-SPLOST revenue is to improve overall traffic flow, enhance safety for motorists, and support commercial activity and economic development by ensuring reliable transportation corridors.

The commissioner’s office highlighted that the successful passage provides a sustainable mechanism to manage the county’s road and bridge systems without relying solely on property taxes.

FLOST to Offset Property Tax

The FLOST is designed to ease the burden of property tax and will be applied to the county’s tax digest.