Gwinnett County commissioners Tuesday formally endorsed a sales tax referendum that could generate nearly a billion dollars for roads, parks and other construction projects.
Commissioners unanimously called for a Nov. 8 referendum in which Gwinnett voters would decide whether to renew a 1 percent special local options sales tax (SPLOST) for capital projects. They also approved a deal to split the proceeds of the tax with the county’s 16 cities.
If voters approve the sales tax, it’s expected to generate $950 million over six years, beginning next April.
Gwinnett voters approved the county's first SPLOST in 1985 and have routinely renewed it. Only once – in 1995 – did they decline, and they approved a revamped proposal the following year.
The current four-year tax – which expires next March – is projected to generate $453 million over its four-year life. More than half the money will be devoted to transportation projects, with various city, public safety, parks, libraries and senior services projects accounting for the rest.
Under the agreement approved Tuesday, Gwinnett County will get about $748.2 million over the life of the proposed SPLOST, or 78.76 percent of the proceeds. The cities would split nearly $202 million. The money would be divided based on the population and miles of roads of each jurisdiction.
In addition to new roads and buildings, County Commission Chairwoman Charlotte Nash said the SPLOST allows the county to maintain and replace existing facilities without resorting to raising property taxes.
Though commissioners called for the referendum, it still must be approved by the county election board.
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