Chattooga County Commissioner Andy Allen, along with the mayors of Summerville, Trion, Lyerly, and Menlo, have reached a consensus on how to allocate funds generated by the proposed Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST). The agreement, finalized ahead of the March 18, 2025, special election, outlines specific projects each municipality and the county aim to fund if voters approve the measure.

The proposed SPLOST, a one-percent sales tax, is projected to generate approximately $20.5 million over a period not exceeding twenty-four calendar quarters (six years). The funds are earmarked for a variety of capital improvement projects across Chattooga County. For the county itself, potential projects include right-of-way acquisition, road, street, and bridge expansion, modernization, maintenance, construction, and improvements. In addition, the county plans to focus on improvements to the water distribution and supply system, along with upgrading county buildings and facilities.

Each of the four municipalities – Lyerly, Trion, Menlo, and Summerville – has identified similar priorities including road and bridge improvements, recreational, historical, or cultural facilities, water and sewer system upgrades, and improvements to municipal-owned facilities.

Voters will have the opportunity to decide on the SPLOST measure in a special election on March 18, 2025. Early voting and absentee ballots are available, with instructions provided on the official ballot.

Supporters say that the funding is crucial in maintaining infrastructure in the county without additional burdens on property owners.

Here is a sample ballot: