The Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce is encouraging residents to support the renewal of the Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) IX in Hall County. Melissa Tymchuk, Chair-Elect of the Chamber, emphasized that the one percent sales tax has been a significant source of funding for community improvements since 1985.
According to Tymchuk, SPLOST funds have supported infrastructure projects such as roads, public safety facilities and vehicles, parks, trails, community centers, and libraries. She stated that renewing SPLOST would not raise the current sales tax rate. “And, one of the greatest benefits of SPLOST is that some 40% of SPLOST dollars raised in Hall County come from out-of-county residents and visitors,” Tymchuk said.
Lake Lanier draws approximately 14 million visitors annually to Hall County. The area also sees many patients and visitors at Northeast Georgia Health System facilities, students at higher education institutions, and other commuters and travelers. This inflow provides an opportunity to fund local projects without relying solely on property owners.
Tymchuk noted that over four decades, SPLOST has contributed about $1 billion to various county projects. The proposed SPLOST IX would fund enhancements to parks and greenspaces like South Hall Park and extensions to the Highlands to Islands Trail. It would also address road resurfacing needs at key intersections such as McEver Road, Mount Vernon Road, and Joe Chandler Road.
Reflecting on the program’s impact over 40 years—including support for places like Elachee Nature Science Center and Chicopee Woods—Tymchuk urged voters: “Join me as we support continued progress. Vote YES on November 4th.”
More information about SPLOST IX can be found at hallsplost.com.
