What is a Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) for education?
A “SPLOST” is the option that a local school district has to call for a referendum to approve a one percent sales tax for school construction and/or to retire bond debt.

Is this an additional tax?
No. This is a continuation of the current penny sales tax for education.  It will not change the existing sales tax in Floyd County.

Will the continuation of the SPLOST increase my property tax?
No. The penny sales tax shifts some of the responsibility of providing quality educational facilities from property owners to all citizens (and visitors) of the community.  Approximately 40% of the funding will be provided by citizens living outside the Rome/Floyd County area.

What will continuing the SPLOST accomplish?
Reducing overcrowding, providing improved technology and creating a better learning environment will provide our children with the quality learning environment they deserve.

How much will the Education SPLOST III generate over its five-year period if renewed?
Approximately $80,650,000 will be generated if monthly collections remain flat over a five-year period.  The maximum Education SPLOST III collection has been set at $88,900,000 reflecting a 3% annual growth rate in the SPLOST.  Education SPLOST II funds will be divided between Rome City and Floyd County Schools using the latest student enrollment figures, which means that Rome City will receive approximately 34% and Floyd County Schools will receive approximately 66%.

Why can’t lottery funds be used to fund these projects?
Currently, Floyd County Schools receive no funding for K-12 educational purposes from the Georgia Lottery.  Lottery proceeds only fund the state Pre-K program and the Hope Scholarship.  Also, by law, school systems cannot use lottery funds for school renovations and construction projects.