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A taxi, bus, and car all drive down a DeKalb County road. Along the road is a 35 MPH speed limit sign and a SPLOST sign underneath.

SPLOST I

Two men stand in front of DeKalb County Fire Department Station 7, with the SPLOST I-funded fire station building and garage doors visible in the background.
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DeKalb County voters approved the first Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST I) referendum in November 2017, with the tax taking effect on April 1, 2018, and continuing through March 31, 2024.

SPLOST I represented a major countywide investment in critical infrastructure, helping improve transportation, public safety, parks, and community facilities in every district.

Under the voter-approved intergovernmental agreement, SPLOST I revenues were shared between DeKalb County and its municipalities and dedicated solely to capital outlay projects, long-term, permanent improvements that strengthen public services and support a safer, more connected community.

SPLOST 1 Project Map

SPLOST I Project Categories  & Key Investments

Transportation Improvements

SPLOST I delivered significant enhancements to DeKalb County’s transportation network, including:

  • Road resurfacing across county corridors
  • New and repaired sidewalks
  • Multi-use trails and shared-use paths
  • Intersection safety upgrades
  • Funding matches for state and federal transportation projects

Transportation investments accounted for the largest portion of SPLOST I funding, improving mobility, reducing congestion, and supporting safer travel for motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists.

A newly laid sidewalk with a large telephone poll on the street side with a short and think concrete wall on the righty with grass on the ither side of it.
Fire fighters standing in front of a large white sign with red letters that read "DeKalb County Fire Rescue Academy New Modular Buildings & Sitework.

Public Safety Facilities

SPLOST I strengthened DeKalb County’s public safety infrastructure through major capital investments such as: 

  • Fire station construction and renovations
  • Police facility upgrades
  • Improvements to public safety equipment and support facilities

These enhancements support faster emergency response, modern training environments, and safer working conditions for first responders.

Parks, Recreation & Community Enhancements

SPLOST I provided substantial upgrades to recreational facilities across DeKalb County, including:

  • Park renovations and athletic field improvements
  • Upgrades to recreation centers and community facilities
  • Enhancements to aquatics facilities, pools, and splash pads
  • Trail, playground, and outdoor amenity improvements

These projects support quality of life, healthy living, and accessible recreation for residents of all ages.

Aerial view of an empty DeKalb County baseball field with neatly mowed grass, brown warning track, and surrounding fencing, plus additional sports fields and trees in the background.
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Repair & Renewal of County Facilities

Up to 15% of SPLOST I funds were dedicated to repairing and extending the life of existing County-owned structures, including:

  • Renovations to the County courthouse and administrative complex
  • Repairs to libraries, community buildings, and public facilities
  • Critical maintenance addressing aging infrastructure

This category ensured key assets remain safe, functional, and efficient  for the public.

Impact of SPLOST I

SPLOST I has delivered lasting improvements throughout DeKalb County by investing in the infrastructure that residents rely on every day. From safer streets and upgraded fire stations to revitalized parks and modernized community facilities, SPLOST I has strengthened neighborhoods and enhanced the quality of life for families across all districts.

A detailed list of SPLOST I projects, locations, and expenditures is available in the County’s SPLOST reports and dashboards.

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