News Summary

The City of Savannah has initiated a public survey to collect resident feedback on the upcoming Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) referendum set for November 4, 2025. The survey is designed to prioritize capital improvement projects across six categories, allowing residents to simulate a budget to express their funding preferences. The survey will be available until May 16, 2025, aiming to enhance community engagement in the SPLOST process.

Savannah Launches Public Survey for Upcoming SPLOST Referendum

The City of Savannah has kicked off a public survey aimed at gathering resident feedback on a proposed Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) referendum set for the November 4, 2025, ballot.

Survey Details

• Access: The survey is available at savannahga.gov/splost8survey until May 16, 2025.
• Purpose: To identify community priorities for capital improvement projects within the SPLOST framework.
• Investment Areas: Residents will rank their priorities in six categories:
  • Parks and Recreation
  • Community Development
  • Public Safety
  • Stormwater and Drainage Projects
  • Traffic and Transportation
  • Municipal Investments
• Budget Allocation: Participants simulate a budget of $100 to express funding preferences across the categories.

Timeline for SPLOST 8

Chatham County released a timeline on March 17, 2025, for municipalities to prepare for the SPLOST 8 referendum:

• Municipalities must submit a project list to Chatham County by May 23, 2025.
• An intergovernmental agreement (IGA) detailing the capital projects will be voted on by July 16, 2025.
• If approved, the SPLOST referendum will be finalized for the ballot.

SPLOST Overview

Established in 1985, SPLOST is a one percent county-wide sales tax that requires voter approval to fund capital projects. Notable facts include:

• Funding since inception: nearly $700 million for Savannah; over $1.5 billion for Chatham County.
• Approximately 40% of SPLOST revenues stem from visitors.
• SPLOST funds cannot be allocated for operational or maintenance budgets.

Previous SPLOST Projects

Past SPLOST-funded initiatives include:

• Street paving and drainage infrastructure
• City Hall renovations
• River Walk extensions
• Playgrounds and community centers

Community Engagement

Savannah Mayor Van Johnson has highlighted the importance of public input on various issues, such as:

• Traffic congestion
• Drainage solutions
• Affordable housing
• Public art
• Public restroom facilities

Current deliberations for SPLOST 8 are being conducted alongside discussions for a recently approved Education Special Local Option Sales Tax (ESPLOST), which garnered 64% approval in a March 18, 2025, vote.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Additional Resources

• Savannah Now: Planning for Next SPLOST Referendum
• Savannah Business Journal: SPLOST 8 Survey Launch
• Savannah Tribune: Early Voting for E-SPLOST
• WTOC: Mayor Johnson on SPLOST Funds
• Savannah Now: Chatham County SPLOST Workshops
• Wikipedia: Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax
• Google Search: SPLOST Referendum Savannah
• Google Scholar: SPLOST
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Sales Tax
• Google News: SPLOST Savannah

Author: STAFF HERE HILTON HEAD

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