COVINGTON, Ga. — Newton County's 1% SPLOST will be collected for another six years after voters of both political persuasions approved it in a Tuesday, Nov. 8, Special Election.
City of Covington residents also voted to give themselves a break on their property taxes with their approval of a homestead exemption in a separate Special Referendum.
SPLOST RENEWAL
With all 22 precincts reporting, 55% (22,599) voted "yes" and 45% (18,750) voted "no" out of more than 41,000 votes cast in the Special Election.
As a result, Newton Countians kept the 1% sales tax in place for another six years through 2029. It will begin to be collected July 1, 2023, after the current SPLOST expires on June 30, 2023.
The 2023 SPLOST is expected to generate an estimated $108 million over six years for a variety of public needs — from new recreation centers to park upgrades, expansion of the county animal shelter and more.
Much of the amount will be used to pave and upgrade roads and bridges both in unincorporated Newton and in six cities within the county's borders — including widening of often-congested, two-lane Brown Bridge Road.
Newton County Commission Chairman Marcello Banes said, “We are so thankful for the passage of SPLOST."
“It continues to speak highly of Newton County that our citizens are engaged and informed about the matters going on in their community and they understand the importance of the continuation of SPLOST," Banes said.
“With these SPLOST dollars we will be able to do some great updates such as the widening of Brown Bridge Road, improvements to our public safety, much needed recreation on the western side of Newton County and other projects that impact the day-to-day lives of those who live, work and visit Newton County.”
Interim County Manager Jarvis Sims said the continuation of SPLOST "is huge for our community."
"Our citizen-led SPLOST committee put together a terrific list and the Board of Commissioners approved impactful projects that will improve the public safety, infrastructure and quality of life for Newton County," Sims said.
"I would like to thank the Board, our SPLOST Committee and the voters of Newton County," he said.
“All the residents of Newton County will feel the impact of the passage of this SPLOST, whether it be on their daily commute, additional recreation activities throughout all of Newton County or streamlined operations due to improved technology and equipment," Sims said. "Now that the funding has been approved, we are eager to get started on 2023 SPLOST projects!”
Debbie Harper, president of the Newton Chamber of Commerce, said, "The Chamber is very excited about the continuation of SPLOST."
"We believe this consumption-based tax will help to keep property taxes low. In addition, it allows tourists, renters and non-Newton County residents to contribute to improvements in our communities.
"We are pleased there will be much needed road improvements, significant debt relief, public safety and quality of life projects funded through SPLOST which help keep Newton County a vibrant community and destination," Harper said.
The funds will be divided with 78% going to the county and 22% to the cities.
SPLOST is used only for infrastructure and to pay off public debt. The current 2017 SPLOST anticipated revenue of $64.8 million and throughout five years brought in $78.8 million for county and city projects.
Covington Mayor Steve Horton said the 2023 SPLOST is estimated to collect “on behalf of the city of Covington” $17,361,860 over the six-year life of the SPLOST.
“These funds will be used for transportation projects such as roads, streets and bridge projects,” he said.
“The availability of these SPLOST funds will certainly provide more revenue that can be used to rehab or improve critical transportation infrastructure,” Horton said. “I applaud the voters for passing this newest SPLOST referendum.”
The vote was not evenly split along political party lines, according to totals from the Georgia Secretary of State's office.
A majority of voters approved its renewal in 17 Newton County precincts, including all 12 precincts that voted for Democratic candidate for governor Stacey Abrams and five that voted for Republican Gov. Brian Kemp — Alcovy, Brick Store, Leguinn, Oxford and Rocky Plains.
Voters not favoring the 1% sales tax's renewal were in the majority in five Republican-heavy precincts: Brewers, Gum Creek, Mansfield, Newborn and Hub.
It also was approved by a majority of those voting in-person on Election Day Tuesday; in-person during the advance voting period; and absentee by mail voters.
