Habersham County sales tax suffering in current economy

CLARKESVILLE – Habersham County’s current 1-cent sales tax has taken a hit from the sluggish economy.

County officials had anticipated the tax would collect $54.9 million over its 6-year life, but a struggling economy has meant that figure is well below what was expected.

At a work session Monday, Assistant County Manager/Finance Director Jason Tinsley said Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax 5 likely will bring in only 65 percent of the anticipated $54.9 million. That means the county will see only about $35.7 million for use on designated projects.

Collection of SPLOST 5 began in the spring of 2008, and continues through April 2014.

SPLOST 5 was eligible to be a six-year tax because it had a qualifying state-designated level one project: a county judicial center.

SPLOST 6, a proposed continuation tax that will be voted on in November, would only be for a five-year term because it doesn’t include a level one project.

(See related story)

Link: Habersham Co. officials begin SPLOST 6 talks