Walker County voters will decide this November whether to renew a one-cent sales tax that funds infrastructure and capital improvement projects across the county and its cities.
The Walker County Board of Commissioners recently approved a resolution placing a Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) referendum on the November 4 ballot. If approved, the renewed SPLOST would run for six years beginning October 1, 2026, immediately after the current 2020 SPLOST expires — avoiding any overlap for consumers.
The renewed SPLOST would generate funding for a range of projects identified in an intergovernmental agreement between the county and the cities of Chickamauga, Fort Oglethorpe, LaFayette, Lookout Mountain, and Rossville.
Walker County plans to use its share for upgrades to county facilities, the creation of a veterans memorial park, new fire trucks and station renovations, road paving, bridge replacements, and public safety equipment.
In LaFayette, officials are eyeing investments in recreation and park facilities, road paving, sidewalk and trail upgrades, and improvements to water and sewer infrastructure.
Chickamauga and Lookout Mountain intend to prioritize city property improvements and recreational projects, while Rossville would focus on stormwater and sewer upgrades and renovations to its public safety building.
County officials say SPLOST funds have historically played a vital role in addressing critical infrastructure needs without raising property taxes. Voters will have the final say when they head to the polls this fall.