SPLOST and FLOST Pass in Augusta: What the $750 Million in Tax Approvals Mean for Your Community

Augusta voters just approved something big — really big. On Election Day, both SPLOST 9 and FLOST passed with strong support, unlocking roughly $750 million in combined funding for infrastructure, public safety, recreation, and property tax relief across Richmond County. If you're wondering what you just voted for (or what your neighbors approved), we've got you covered.

Let's break down exactly what these two tax measures will fund, how they work differently, and what you can expect to see change in your community over the next several years.

What Just Passed: The Results

Richmond County voters approved two separate one-cent sales tax measures:

Augusta SPLOST 9 passed with approximately 64% support, authorizing a six-year Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax that will generate an estimated $550 million for capital projects across the county.

Richmond County FLOST passed with about 61% approval, implementing a six-year Facilities Local Option Sales Tax projected to raise $200 million while simultaneously reducing property tax rates.

Together, these represent the largest infrastructure investment in Augusta's recent history — and residents will start seeing the impact within months.

SPLOST vs. FLOST: What's the Difference?

Both are one-cent sales taxes, but they work very differently.

SPLOST 9: Building the Future

Augusta SPLOST 9 is a 1% sales tax dedicated entirely to capital projects — roads, parks, public safety facilities, government buildings, and more. This isn't new; SPLOST has been Augusta's primary way of funding major infrastructure for decades without raising property taxes. The beauty of SPLOST is that visitors and people passing through Augusta help pay for our community improvements every time they buy something here.

The tax runs for six years (2025-2031), and every dollar is earmarked for specific projects that were presented to voters before the election.

FLOST: Tax Shift, Not Tax Increase

Richmond County FLOST is a 0.5% sales tax (half a penny) with a unique twist: it's designed to lower your property taxes. The revenue from FLOST goes toward facilities and infrastructure projects, but simultaneously, the county reduces its property tax millage rate proportionally.

For homeowners, this means you'll pay slightly more in sales tax but see a corresponding decrease in your annual property tax bill. The shift spreads the tax burden more broadly — tourists, visitors, and shoppers from surrounding counties all contribute, reducing the load on property owners.

FLOST also runs for six years and will work alongside SPLOST 9 to accelerate project timelines.

Where the Money Goes: SPLOST 9 Project Breakdown

So what exactly are we building with $550 million? Here's how Augusta SPLOST 9 funds break down by category:

Infrastructure & Transportation ($220 million)

The biggest chunk goes to fixing what we drive on every day. Expect:

• Road resurfacing and reconstruction across Augusta, Blythe, and Hephzibah
• Stormwater drainage improvements to reduce flooding in chronic trouble spots
• Sidewalk expansions and pedestrian safety upgrades in residential neighborhoods
• Traffic signal modernization for better flow and safety

This is the unglamorous stuff that matters most — the potholes you curse on your commute, the intersections where you hold your breath, the streets that flood every heavy rain.

Parks & Recreation ($125 million)

We're building and renovating spaces where families gather:

• New community recreation centers in underserved neighborhoods
• Park improvements including playgrounds, sports fields, and walking trails
• Aquatic facility upgrades and potentially new pool facilities
• Greenway extensions connecting existing trail networks

These projects will roll out across the county, with a focus on equity — ensuring every neighborhood has quality recreational access within a reasonable distance.

Public Safety ($95 million)

Keeping first responders equipped and facilities up to date:

• New fire stations in growing areas of the county
• Fire apparatus (trucks and equipment) replacement on aging fleet
• Public safety training facilities upgrades
• Emergency communications infrastructure improvements

Several of our fire stations are decades old and located in areas that have shifted population-wise. SPLOST 9 addresses those gaps.

Government Facilities ($75 million)

The buildings where county business gets done:

• County building renovations for improved efficiency and ADA compliance
• Technology infrastructure upgrades across government facilities
• Energy efficiency improvements to reduce long-term operating costs

Economic Development & Other Projects ($35 million)

Strategic investments to attract business and improve quality of life:

• Industrial park infrastructure to support job creation
• Community development projects in partnership with municipalities
• Historic preservation initiatives

What FLOST Funds: The $200 Million Plan

Richmond County FLOST's $200 million will accelerate facility needs that might otherwise wait years:

• Additional recreation centers beyond SPLOST projects
• Library renovations and expansions
• Senior centers and community facilities
• Public works facilities to support operations
• School system facilities (a portion goes to Richmond County schools)

The exact project list will be refined by the Augusta Commission, but the emphasis is on community facilities that serve daily needs.

How Much Will This Cost Me?

Let's talk about your wallet. Combined, you're looking at a 1.5% sales tax increase on purchases made in Richmond County (1% SPLOST + 0.5% FLOST).

What that looks like in real terms:

• $100 grocery bill: $1.50 more in tax
• $30,000 vehicle purchase: $450 more in tax
• $50 restaurant meal: $0.75 more in tax

However, if you're a property owner, your property tax bill will decrease by roughly $75-150 annually (depending on your home value) due to the FLOST millage rate reduction. Over six years, that adds up.

And remember: sales taxes are paid by everyone who shops here, including visitors, while property taxes hit only homeowners. The trade-off makes sense for most residents.

Timeline: When Will We See Results?

Don't expect bulldozers next week, but the wheels are already turning:

Months 1-6 (Spring 2025): Project prioritization, engineering studies, design work begins on high-priority items like road repairs and drainage fixes.

Year 1 (2025-2026): First wave of projects bid and awarded. Expect visible work on major roads, some park improvements, and planning for larger facilities.

Years 2-4 (2026-2028): Peak construction phase. Multiple projects underway simultaneously — new recreation centers opening, fire stations breaking ground, major road reconstruction in full swing.

Years 5-6 (2029-2031): Final projects completed, facilities opened, ribbons cut.

The Augusta Commission will establish a project schedule in early 2025, with quarterly updates to the public.

Accountability: How to Track Your Tax Dollars

Augusta SPLOST 9 comes with built-in transparency measures:

• Citizen oversight committee reviews spending and project progress
• Quarterly financial reports posted online showing revenue and expenditures
• Annual audits by independent firms
• Public meetings where residents can ask questions and raise concerns

SPLOST dollars are legally restricted to the approved project list. The county can't divert funds to operating expenses or pet projects — it's capital improvements only.

You'll be able to track progress through the county website, which will feature project updates, photos, and timelines once construction begins.

What This Means for Different Parts of the County

West Augusta: Expect significant road improvements and drainage work in older neighborhoods, plus recreation facility upgrades.

South Augusta/Hephzibah: New fire station, road resurfacing on heavily traveled routes, park enhancements.

North Augusta corridor: Infrastructure to support continued growth, traffic improvements at key intersections.

Rural areas (Blythe and surroundings): Road maintenance, fire protection improvements, recreational access.

Every area of Richmond County will see investment. The goal is countywide improvement, not just focus on one district.

The Bottom Line

We just approved three-quarters of a billion dollars in community investment without a property tax increase. That's the power of SPLOST and FLOST working together — spreading the cost across a broader base while directing funds toward real, tangible improvements.

Over the next six years, you'll see smoother roads, better parks, modern public safety facilities, and property tax relief. Not all at once, and not without the patience required for major construction projects, but it's coming.

The Augusta Commission now has the resources to address long-deferred needs and build for growth. Our job as residents is to stay engaged, attend public meetings when projects affect our neighborhoods, and hold officials accountable for delivering what was promised.

Want to stay updated on specific projects? Bookmark the Richmond County SPLOST page and check quarterly reports. This is our money building our community — let's make sure it's done right.