Leaders pitch voters on sales tax SPLOST

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - Several leaders across the area teamed up Wednesday to pitch voters on why they should support a plan impacting the sales tax you pay in Chatham County.

SPLOST is the penny tax that goes toward infrastructure, roadways and improvements.

Part of the SPLOST plan leaders want voters to say yes to, will give about four million dollars to remove this flyover.

It’s one of dozens of projects they’re hoping to fund across the county.

“As a citizen that lives here, it’s just hard to deal with so much traffic all the time,” said Kennedy Sheppard, Savannah resident.

It’s voters like Kennedy Sheppard who say traffic and roadway issues can be a lot to navigate in Chatham County.

“Especially in Pooler or parts of Savannah where they’re building all these apartment complexes,” said Sheppard.

At first thought, she wouldn’t support an effort like the Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax also known as SPLOST if it didn’t address those concerns first.

“This project will impact a large area,” said Jim Collins, Chairman, SPLOST 8 Campaign.

Chatham County leaders today kicked off their early campaign to get voters to say yes to SPLOST set to be back on the ballot November 4.

They say this list of projects is a combined effort between leaders and resident feedback.

It’ll address three main areas— community investment & public safety, road improvement & traffic reduction, and flood reduction.

“Your drainage projects that you mentioned, your recreation projects that you mentioned, your road widening or your street resurfacing projects all are in SPLOST 8,” said Chester Ellis, Chatham County Commission Chairman.

They’re expecting to raise $700 million to fund it.

Chatham County commission chairman Chester Ellis says the funding from this doesn’t only come from Chatham County residents.

But from everyone who spends money here.

For Sheppard, she hopes her concerns will be addressed.

“We’re expanding, people are moving in, that’s awesome,” said Sheppard. " But it’s just like the traffic.”

They also wanted to make it clear that this money can only be used for building and capital use.

If you’d like a closer look at every project that will be included in the SPLOST 8 vote.