County and City Leaders Begin SPLOST Renewal Process

County and city leaders met to begin the process of renewing Cobb County’s Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST). This one-percent sales tax has been in place for decades, helping local governments fund major capital projects—from courthouses and community centers to parks, libraries, and large-scale transportation improvements.

Cobb voters have consistently approved a series of SPLOST programs over the years, and both the County Chairwoman and local mayors say the impact has been transformational.

“It’s been a huge benefit to our residents,” said Smyrna Mayor Derek Norton. “From the unsexy infrastructure things like road paving, water, and sewer, to the shiny objects like parks and recreation improvements—these are the items residents really appreciate.”

“This will be a follow-up to the 2022 SPLOST, and we’re hoping to do even more with it,” said Kennesaw Mayor Derek Easterling. “From maintaining facilities to building recreational centers, SPLOST is crucial to our infrastructure.”

“We’re a small city with the smallest budget, and SPLOST is critical,” said Austell Mayor Ollie Clemons. “Especially when you consider aging infrastructure and parks and recreation, SPLOST means everything to our community.”

This initial meeting—required by state law—kicks off a collaborative process between the county and cities to develop a project list. Public forums are expected to be held in early 2026.