Chattooga County Commissioner Andy Allen wants to significantly reduce property taxes for homeowners by introducing two new sales taxes – both of which would need to be approved by voters. Commissioner Andy Allen, supported by local leaders from Lyerly, Menlo, Trion and Summerville, is proposing the Flexible Sales and Use Tax (FLOST) and the Transportation Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (T-SPLOST), which will be voted on countywide in November.

The FLOST, a one-percent sales tax, aims to cut property taxes for homeowners with homestead exemptions by nearly 50%. Funds from the FLOST will be saved in an interest-bearing account until 2026 and used to lower property taxes starting in 2027. It also limits annual increases on homestead properties to the inflation rate.

The T-SPLOST, another one-percent sales tax, is intended for road and infrastructure improvements and is expected to raise around $22.7 million over six years. This tax will help lessen the burden on property taxes by sharing costs for public services more fairly. Both renters and homeowners may benefit, as reduced property taxes could lead to lower rental rates.

If approved, the total sales tax rate in Chattooga County would reach 9%. The county needs to finalize agreements by August 7 to get the measures on the ballot. Educational campaigns will inform voters about these proposals.