Savannah launches online survey for public input on proposed 'penny' sales tax spending

Credit: City of Savannah

Officials in Savannah have launched an online survey asking residents and visitors to weigh in on how future sales tax dollars should be allocated, should voters in Chatham County approve an expected referendum in November.

The survey, accessible through the city's website until May 16, asks participants to rank their preferences among six categories: parks and recreation, community development, public safety, stormwater and drainage projects, traffic and transportation, and municipal investments.

Respondents can also allocate a mock $100 budget across these categories to further specify their spending priorities.

The input will help shape Savannah's project list for its eighth special purpose local option sales tax (SPLOST), a 1% sales tax that would fund capital improvements throughout Chatham County if approved by voters on Nov. 4.

"I guarantee you that you have come across, used, utilized, or been impacted by one of these projects in your daily life, and you probably didn't even know it," Savannah Mayor Van Johnson said at a recent press conference.

Johnson emphasized that SPLOST allows the city to fund major projects without increasing property taxes, adding that the city enjoys a distinct benefit thanks to its bustling tourism economy.

"In Savannah, it's a little unique, because nearly 40% of sales taxes are paid by people who come to visit us," he said. "Because we have so many visitors to our community, the great thing about it is that we're only paying 60%, essentially, of this."

Since Georgia lawmakers established SPLOST in 1985, Savannah has collected more than $700 million through seven iterations of the tax.

These funds have supported numerous infrastructure improvements and popular amenities, including Savannah's iconic River Street pedestrian walkway and the construction of Enmarket Arena, as well as ongoing renovations to City Hall.

SPLOST revenue has also funded the paving of streets and sidewalks, as well as stormwater drainage infrastructure, traffic-calming measures, playgrounds, athletic fields, and community centers.

Savannah and other municipalities in Chatham County must submit their prioritized project lists to county commissioners by May 23.

Local governments are scheduled to vote on an intergovernmental agreement outlining the proposed projects by July 16. If approved, the referendum would appear on the Nov. 4 ballot.

By law, SPLOST revenue can only fund capital projects and cannot be used for general operating expenses or maintenance costs.

Overall, SPLOST initiatives have generated nearly $1.5 billion countywide since their inception, with Chatham County directing approximately 73% of its SPLOST funds toward roadway and drainage improvements.