Politics & Government

Would You Support a Gwinnett SPLOST Vote in 2013?

The current sales tax expires after this year. Voters must approve an extension, but they need a chance. In the last SPLOST so far Grayson's share was $1,126,877 and Loganville's amounted to $1,291,767.

The attached graphic from Gwinnettforum.com shows how Gwinnett SPLOST funds have been distributed to the cities.

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It has been less than a year since voters in metro Atlanta soundly rejected a transportation sales tax.

Find out what's happening in Loganville-Graysonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Now, Gwinnett County voters may face a similar choice in 2013. The current countywide Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax program expires at the end of the year. If voters want new projects in transportation, public safety or new buildings, they'll have to vote "yes."

But will voters get the chance?

Find out what's happening in Loganville-Graysonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

County leaders have made no final decision, and that decision is not theirs alone. Leaders of Gwinnett cities must be in accord with county leaders on how SPLOST monies would be spent before such a vote can take place.

Gwinnett Commission Chairman Charlotte Nash said Tuesday (March 19) that more discussion on the matter probably would be held "as we head into summer."

Nash also noted that SPLOST ballot language is set by state law, and that the county ballot must match that.

She also said that comparisons with the 2012 Transportation Investment Act, also sometimes known as the TSPLOST, are not fair.

There was no track record for the voted-down TIA, whereas the current Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center is among the projects built with SPLOST funds. "I love talking about success stories," she said.

Also, SPLOST monies would not be spent for transit, and would have to be spent in Gwinnett County. 

In the last SPLOST, Grayson’s share was $1,126,877 from 2009 to 2012 – with 2012 collections amounting to $321,078. Loganville’s share was $1,291,767 with 2012 collections amounting to $368,060.

for SPLOST projects.

 


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