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  • A Local Investment That Makes a Difference. 

    SPLOST in an existing one-cent sales tax dedicated to funding capital projects that improve the quality of life across Effingam County. It allows our community to invest in parks, public safety, libraries, health facilities, roads, infrastructure and other long-term improvements through a dedicated source of revenue. 

    Unlike funding used for everyday government operations, SPLOST revenue is designated for eligible capital projects—investments that build, improve and maintain the facilities and infrastructure our community relies on. The sales tax is collected on eligible purchases made in Effingham County, meaning both residents and visitors contribute to these improvements.

    The proposed 2026 SPLOST would continue the existing one-cent sales tax, providing a way to plan for and fund these improvements over the next six years. From recreational spaces and safer roads to public safety facilities and community resources, these projects represent an investment in Effingham County's future.

     

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  • Parks & Recreation

    • Continue development of the 650-acre Atlas Park, including additional recreation opportunities and access to the Ogeechee River for kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards
    • Renovate and expand athletic fields, courts, playgrounds, parking and pavilion facilities at Sand Hill Park
    • Add baseball and T-ball fields, improve parking and build a large all-access playground at Clarence E. Morgan complex
    • Develop an 18-acre recreation site in south Effingham County with a gymnasium, trails, playgrounds and a dog park, with space for a possible future aquatic center
       

  • Public Safety

    • Build a regional public safety training center
    • Construct a new Magistrate Court headquarters and courtroom near the Sheriff's office
    • Approximately $6 million for fire equipment

  • Libraries & Health Facilities

    • Build a new Department of Health facility with approximately three times the space of the current building
    • Construct a new Rincon library
    • Potentially add another library on the south side of the county

  • Road & Infrastructure

    • Approximately $30 million for road improvements 
    • Approximately $5 million for stormwater improvements 
    • Land acquisition for future parks and infrastructure needs

  • County & City Projects

    • Additional eligible capital projects in Effingham County, Guyton, Rincon, and Springfield, with funding distributed according to the proposed allocation plan

  • Equipment and Future Needs

    • Other eligible long-term investments to support the county's growing infrastructure needs


  • Why the Chamber Supports SPLOST. 

    A strong business community depends on more than the success of individual businesses. It depends on reliable roads, effective public safety, accessible community facilities, and the infrastructure needed to accommodate growth.

    ​These investments help create the conditions where businesses can operate, employees can thrive, families can build their lives, and employers can confidently invest. Supporting SPLOST is consistent with the Chamber's mission of business advocacy and sustainable economic growth. We believe in planning for Effingham County's future means investing in the infrastructure that supports it.

  • What is SPLOST?

    SPLOST stands for Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax. It is a one-cent sales tax used to fund eligible capital projects, including infrastructure and public facilities.

    Is SPLOST a new tax?

    No. The 2026 referendum concerns continuing the existing one-cent sales tax, rather than introducing a new tax or increasing the sales tax rate.

    How would SPLOST funds be used?

    The proposed 2026 SPLOST includes investments in roads, parks and recreation, public safety, libraries, health facilities, stormwater improvements and other eligible capital projects throughout Effingham County, Guyton, Rincon and Springfield.