DeKalb Approves SPLOST, EHOST In 2023 Municipal Election

DEKALB COUNTY — Voters in DeKalb County have seemingly approved to extend two special sales taxes, one that aims to minimize property taxes and another that will benefit transportation projects, as called by Atlanta News First and Fox 5 Atlanta.

All results in the municipal race remain unofficial until certified.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported the continuation of the second phase of the special purpose local option sales tax and the equalized homestead option sales and use tax were on the line. Both are 1-cent sales taxes.

The outlet reported SPLOST II could generate $850 million, with 58 percent benefitting the county's capital improvement projects and the remainder being split between the county and its municipalities.

"Most of the money will go toward transportation projects — road resurfacing and the addition of sidewalks and bike paths. The county also plans to use the money to expand its beleaguered animal shelter, renovate libraries, build a new mental health facility, renovate and build new fire stations, replace government office buildings and expand park and recreation facilities," the AJC reported.

Meanwhile, EHOST serves the purpose of decreasing property taxes for homeowners, according to the county. EHOST was initially approved in 2017.

As of 9:15 a.m., with all 191 precincts reporting, these are results as reported by DeKalb County government officials (Election Day voting, early voting and absentee by mail voting):

Approval of SPLOST II

Yes: 74.31 percent (44,964 votes)

No: 25.69 percent (15,544 votes)

Approval of EHOST

Yes: 76.68 percent (52,319 votes)

No: 23.32 percent (15,914 votes)