On Election Day, November 8^th, Albany voters will not only cast ballots for the Presidency, the Senate, the House of Representatives, and several local races, but also for two other key elements critical to the future of thee community: SPLOST and E-SPLOST.

Historically, the local electorate originally approved SPLOST (Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax) and E-SPLOST (Education Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax) during the mid-80s and mid-90s, respectively. According to Albany Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Barbara Holmes Rivera, “Both have been an integral part of the Albany area growth since inaugurated, and the voters have continuously supported six previous SPLOSTs and four previous E-SPLOSTs. We encourage individuals and business owners to step up to the plate once again.”

“The city/county tax is designated for specific projects outside normal operating expenses and personnel budgets. For instance, the majority of the funds raised will be used for infrastructure improvements, as well as for public safety projects, such as updated fire and police equipment. Transportation, public health, and information technology needs for governmental offices and public services will also benefit from this 1 percent use of the overall 7 percent sales tax.” 

Likewise, the E-SPLOST funding will be applied to school building renovations and expansions, safety updates, technology in the classrooms, heating and air conditioning needs, and school recreation fields. “The Commodore Conyers College and Career Academy will be a recipient as well,” noted Holmes, who in August 2016 became full-time CEO of the Albany Area Chamber; she served as interim CEO for 15 months prior to that.  

The newly founded college and career academy serves as a regional work force development engine for Southwest Georgia. Students from surrounding counties connect with Albany Tech, Albany State University and Darton State College for credit and coursework. They can also learn practical, applied workplace, and job skills for potential career opportunities from industry professionals via internships, apprenticeships and training opportunities. 

In Georgia, a "special purpose" tax runs for five years and has to define, in detail, projects for which the monies will be used. Conversely, the counties and school systems have to provide an independent accounting report to attest that the system beneficiaries managed such funds appropriately.

Holmes, who was previously vice president of the Albany-Dougherty Economic Development Commission, summed up the Chamber’s support of the upcoming referendum, saying, “SPLOST and E-SPLOST are critical to our community’s continued growth and success; the special taxes provide for years-long benefits to citizens, our children and our businesses. The chamber strongly encourages citizens to vote “YES” for both on November 8th.” 

Learn more about SPLOST and E-SPLOST at albanyga.com/policy/splost-e-splost/