Savannah Launches Public Survey for SPLOST 8 Funding

News Summary

The City of Savannah is encouraging residents to participate in a new public survey regarding the Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) 8. This one-percent sales tax initiative has been utilized since 1985 to finance vital capital projects. Residents can share their priorities across six categories such as parks, public safety, and transportation. The survey, open until May 16, aims to gather community input to help determine appropriate funding allocations for future projects. This initiative reflects the city’s dedication to involving citizens in important financial decisions.

Savannah Kicks Off Survey for Exciting SPLOST 8 Funding Opportunity!

Hey there, Savannah residents! Exciting times are upon us as the lovely City of Savannah has just launched a public survey aimed at getting your input on an important financial initiative, the Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax, or SPLOST for short. This initiative is a fantastic way for the city to gather necessary funds for various community projects that improve our lives and environment!

What’s the SPLOST All About?

For those who might not be familiar, SPLOST is a one-percent county-wide sales tax that’s been in place since 1985, specifically designed to fund capital projects. The beauty of SPLOST is that it requires voter approval, ensuring that we, the people, have a say in how our city funds important projects. The last seven iterations of SPLOST have collectively generated an eye-popping nearly $700 million for Savannah and over $1.5 billion for Chatham County as a whole. Not too shabby, right?

In fact, did you know that around 40% of the sales taxes collected in Savannah come from visitors? That means while we enjoy our local amenities, tourists help contribute to the growth of our city as well!

How Can You Participate?

The survey is now live and will run through May 16, so make sure to mark your calendars. You can find the survey at savannahga.gov/splost8survey. It invites residents to share their priorities across six investment categories: Parks and Recreation, Community Development, Public Safety, Stormwater and Drainage Projects, Traffic and Transportation, and Municipal Investments.

What’s really cool is that you’ll get the chance to allocate a hypothetical $100 budget among these categories. This means you can express how you think our city’s funds should be spent, helping decision-makers understand what’s most important to you and your fellow residents.

What Happens Next?

Chatham County is staying organized and has set a timeline for the SPLOST 8 referendum. All municipalities must submit their prioritized lists of projects by May 23. This way, the city can be ready to vote on an intergovernmental agreement (or IGA) by July 16. This agreement will detail which capital projects will be funded through SPLOST 8.

If everything goes well and the IGA is approved, we can expect the SPLOST referendum to hit the ballot on November 4, 2025. It’s like an early Christmas gift for the city, as we get to decide where some of our money goes!

How Have SPLOST Funds Been Used?

The use of SPLOST funds is strictly for capital projects, meaning they can’t be used for daily operational costs or balancing the budget. In previous years, SPLOST dollars have helped transform our local community by funding projects like road paving, sidewalk construction, drainage improvements, playground installs, and more!

One notable achievement is the Savannah International Trade and Convention Center, which alone brings over $200 million in visitor spending per year. That’s a big win for our economy and a perfect example of how SPLOST funds can create lasting benefits.

Your Voice Matters!

Now’s your chance to make a difference and have your say in shaping Savannah’s future! Take a little break from your day and hop on the survey to ensure your voice is heard. It’s the perfect opportunity to impact the services and projects that mean the most to you and your community. Join in and let’s make Savannah even better together!

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Savannah Considers New Stormwater Utility to Tackle Flooding
Savannah Launches Survey for Upcoming SPLOST Tax Referendum
Savannah Prepares for Community Meetings on Stormwater Utility

Additional Resources

• Athens-Clarke County: TSPLOST 2026
• Grice Connect: Bulloch County Voters Decide on SPLOST Renewal
• The Dahlonega Nugget: School SPLOST Sees Low Turnout
• 41 NBC: Middle Georgia Election Results
• Wikipedia: Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax