Gwinnett Buzz

When you go to the polls on November 4 (or earlier if you decide to take advantage of early voting), there will be a ballot question seeking approval of an extension of the SPLOST (Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax) for Gwinnett County.  Now you may find it odd that after constantly opposing taxation I would endorse a tax program.  There are several reasons this tax should be renewed by Gwinnett voters:

1.  The SPLOST more evenly spreads out the tax burden for Gwinnett County capital investments.  As a sales tax, the funding source does not rest solely on the backs of homeowners.  All Gwinnett residents who spend money in the county contribute to the costs of Gwinnett infrastructure.  This includes those who are do not directly pay property taxes by virtue of living in apartments or rental housing.  Also, non-Gwinnett residents who visit shopping districts within the county pay the tax.

2.  The tax goes to fund capital investment projects and cannot be used for operational expenses.  Over half of the tax proceeds will go to pay for roads and bridges as well as recreational facilities.  Public safety and libraries will receive approximately 10% of the funds.  Gwinnett cities will receive around 15% of the SPLOST for similar projects on the municipal level.

3.  Taxpayers can see how their money is used and, generally, it is used effectively.  Just last week, Gwinnett parks were named the best in the nation.  I noted several years ago the high quality of Gwinnett’s transportation infrastructure.  As you travel through Gwinnett, you can see for yourself new parks being constructed and expanded as well roads such as the Sugarloaf Parkway extension being built.  You can find more information on how Gwinnett County has used SPLOST proceeds in the past here.

SPLOST is an example of how government taxation should work.  The tax requires everyone in a community to contribute to funding county infrastructure.  The proceeds are only used for projects that fall within the legitimate responsibilities of government.  The results of the program are clearly visible and available to all who call Gwinnett home.  The Gwinnett Buzz, therefore, is pleased to continue to support this worthy tax and encourages you to do likewise.

Tags: election, Gwinnett County Parks, Law Enforcement, sales tax, SPLOST, Taxes, Transportation

Related Posts