The DeKalb County Board of Commissions is putting a proposal to increase sales taxes on November's ballot.

The board voted 5-1 on Tuesday to hold a Nov. 7 referendum on the sales tax increase, from 7 percent to 8 percent.

The special purpose local option sales tax (SPLOST) would raise about $100 million annually over the next six years for long overdue road repaving, fire station repairs and other backlogged infrastructure construction.

In addition, voters will also be asked to decide in November on a proposal to decrease homeowners’ property taxes.

If approved, the existing homestead option sales tax (HOST) would be used entirely to reduce county property tax bills. Currently, 80 percent of HOST goes toward property tax relief, and 20 percent is sent to local governments.

Exclusive to subscribers: Read the full story on myAJC.com.

About the Author

Keep Reading

The UPS plane crash in Louisville, Kentucky, killed the three pilots and 11 people on the ground. (NTSB via AP)

Credit: AP

Featured

Atlanta art and antiques appraiser and auctioneer Allan Baitcher (right) takes bids during a 2020 auction. Baitcher and his company, Peachtree Antiques, are being sued by a Florida multimillionaire who says he paid them $20 million for fakes. (AJC 2020)

Credit: Phil Skinner / Staff