Advance voting ends Friday and polls open next Tuesday, March 21, as Fannin County voters are asked to decide the fate of the county’s Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST).
The one cent tax has been in effect since 1995. If voters approve its extension next week, it is expected to generate $56 million over the next six years. That money will be divided between county government and the city governments of Blue Ridge and McCaysville.
Fannin County is projected to receive $48,384,000, Blue Ridge $4,200,000 and McCaysville $3,416,000.
The proceeds are then designated for specific uses by the special election.
Here is how the tax money will be divided and spent:
FANNIN COUNTY
•$30,800,000 to maintenance, repair and construction of roads, streets, bridges, sidewalks and public works equipment:
•$3,920,000 to county wide water projects;
•$5,040,000 to capital outlay/parking;
•$3,864,000 to recreation equipment/facilities;
•$4,760,000, to public safety facilities/public service equipment;
BLUE RIDGE
• $3,001,600 to maintenance, repair and construction of roads, drainage and sidewalks;
•$1,002,400 to water and sewer upgrades and capital outlay; and,
•$196,000 to recreation facilities and improvements;
McCAYSVILLE
•$1,400,000 capital outlay for roads, streets, bridges and city park including but not limited to construction, repair, maintenance and equipment for the same, which purposes may include sidewalks and bicycle paths;
•$1,176,000 for water and sewer utility equipment and facilities; and,
•$840,000 for public safety facilities and public service equipment.
Ballots can still be cast in the Board of Elections office in the Fannin County Courthouse through 5 p.m. Friday, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. each weekday.
Polls will be open at all precincts Tuesday, March 21, from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m.
Toccoa Precinct voters will again vote in the jury assembly room on the third floor of the courthouse as repairs continue at the Senior Center in Blue Ridge.