SPLOST Renewed by Voters

Despite low turnout — only 1,201 of the county's 34,598 registered voters went to the polls — the sole referendum renewing a 1 percent sales and use tax passed with a majority vote.

According to unofficial results, 959 votes were cast to renew the special purpose local option sales tax, which is expected to generate about $60 million over the next six years, while 238 voters opposed renewing the tax. Four blank ballots were cast.

"It was a slow day," elections supervisor Katie Ferm said of turnout. "It’s typical for a run-off election and other special elections like this."

The 1,201 individuals who cast ballots constitute only 3.47 percent of registered voters.

SPLOST money will be used toward the following, as set forth in the referendum:

At the county level

• Payment of debt service and satisfaction of general obligation bond issued in conjunction with the 2006 SPLOST
• Bear Creek Reservoir
• Purchase of equipment, including voting equipment,, transportation vehicles and equipment, communication equipment and technology, systems and software upgrades and improvements
• Public works and transportation facilities, roads, streets, curbs, sidewalks and bridges
• Parks and recreation projects, facilities and improvements
• Water and sewer infrastructure improvements, facilities and equipment

For the city of Auburn

• Public works facilities
• Acquisition of a municipal complex
• Event center
• Paving and repair of streets, curbs and sidewalks
• Parks and recreation projects, facilities and improvements

For the town of Bethlehem

• Roads, streets, curbs and sidewalks, including stormwater structures

For the town of Braselton

• Parks and recreation projects, facilities and improvements
• Roads, streets, curbs and bridges, including stormwater structures

For the town of Carl

• Roads, streets, curbs and bridges, including stormwater structures
• Streetscape improvements
• Parks and recreation projects, facilities and improvements

For the city of Statham

• Water and sewer infrastructure improvements, facilities and equipment

For the city of Winder

• Water and sewer infrastructure improvements, facilities and equipment
• Roads, streets, curbs and bridges, including stormwater structures