NEWS

Chatham County, along with the cities located in the county, plan to ask voters to renew a one-penny Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) that is set to expire in 2026. It appears that the County will call the renewal election for November 2025, alongside some contested municipal races.

As has been reported in local media stories, the cities are beginning the process of putting their desired project lists together, which will be submitted to the County. The final list that will appear on the ballot will be made by Chatham County Commissioners.

The City of Savannah has released an online form for citizens to give their direct input: https://www.savannahga.gov/FormCenter/SPLOST-51/SPLOST-INPUT-515

While the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce has not yet decided whether to endorse the vote, we are very supportive of Savannah’s business community giving their feedback on the types of projects being considered. Chamber President & CEO, Bert Brantley added, “we will ask our elected officials to prioritize transparency in decision making, funding for basic infrastructure such as transportation and storm water, and providing ample opportunity for public input in the process.”

Stay tuned to future editions of the Chamber’s newsletter for details about SPLOST discussions, the final project list, and the November election.