Chattooga County voters will go to the polls in March to decide on renewing the one-penny Special Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) for another five years. County Commissioner Andy Allen is encouraging voters to support this extension.

A public meeting will be held at 10 a. m. on February 12 at the commissioner’s office to explain the importance of the tax and share information with the community. Commissioner Allen mentioned, “This will be our last public meeting before it goes on the ballot. ” The process to get the measure on the ballot included getting agreements with each of the county’s four municipalities on how funds would be distributed.

Allen communicated with mayors about the urgency, and all necessary agreements have now been signed. The county has submitted the ballot referendum, which has been approved by the state. Allen stated, “We will have this final public meeting, and we’ll be putting out some information before the election to educate people about the SPLOST. ” The current SPLOST, which voters approved in 2019, is vital for local projects. He emphasized that the referendum needs to be on the March 18 ballot and not postponed to November, which could lead to a loss of revenue. The revenue distribution is: the county 54. 5%, Summerville 27. 5%, Trion 10. 5%, and Lyerly and Menlo each 3. 75%.

Local officials are optimistic that residents will see the value in renewing the sales tax and will vote.