What is TSPLOST – Transportation Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax?
TSPLOST (Transportation Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax) is a one-percent sales tax that is exclusively used for road maintenance and improvements. TSPLOST was voted on and approved in May 2024.
Unlike other special purpose sales taxes in Georgia, TSPLOST can only be used on transportation projects. In fact, state law mandates that TSPLOST dollars be kept in a separate account away from other funds for auditing purposes and a detailed list of expenses be published once a year.
While "transportation purposes" has a wide-ranging definition, in Dawson County and the City of Dawsonville, it means repairing existing roads, as well as improving intersections for increased traffic flow.
TSPLOST will generate funds to assist in the $68.7 million that is needed countywide for paving and transportation projects.
Sales tax is paid by visitors, in addition to residents. So, for every $1 of TSPLOST collected, 85 cents is paid by Non-Dawson Residents (approximate amount).
Please know this tax will fund new projects and improvements to the roads in Dawsonville and Dawson County WITHOUT RAISING PROPERTY TAXES.