County Approves May Referendum on Sales Tax Measure

SPLOST VIII 1% sales tax measure to appear on Decatur County ballots

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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The Decatur County Board of Commissioners approved a resolution calling for a referendum on a 1% sales tax measure known as SPLOST VIII. The tax revenue, if approved by voters in May, would be split between Decatur County, the cities of Bainbridge, Attapulgus, Brinson, and Climax, as well as the local hospital authority.

Why it matters

This vote represents an opportunity for Decatur County and its municipalities to raise funds for a variety of capital improvement projects, including upgrades to emergency services, public infrastructure, parks, and healthcare facilities. The outcome of the referendum could have significant impacts on the community's future development and quality of life.

The details

The SPLOST VIII measure, if passed, would allocate the 1% sales tax revenue as follows: Decatur County 41.47%, Bainbridge 43.3%, Attapulgus 1.55%, Brinson 0.74%, Climax 0.94%, and the Hospital Authority 12%. The funds could be used for projects such as building/equipment upgrades, vehicle/fleet replacements, water/sewer improvements, and park enhancements.

  • The Decatur County Board of Commissioners approved the SPLOST VIII referendum on Tuesday, February 11, 2026.
  • The referendum will appear on Decatur County voters' ballots in the May 19, 2026 election.

The players

Decatur County Board of Commissioners

The governing body of Decatur County, Georgia that approved the SPLOST VIII referendum.

City of Bainbridge

The largest municipality in Decatur County that would receive 43.3% of the SPLOST VIII revenue if the referendum passes.

City of Attapulgus

A smaller municipality in Decatur County that would receive 1.55% of the SPLOST VIII revenue if the referendum passes.

Town of Brinson

A small town in Decatur County that would receive 0.74% of the SPLOST VIII revenue if the referendum passes.

City of Climax

A small municipality in Decatur County that would receive 0.94% of the SPLOST VIII revenue if the referendum passes.

Hospital Authority of the City of Bainbridge and Decatur County

The local healthcare authority that would receive 12% of the SPLOST VIII revenue if the referendum passes.

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What’s next

Decatur County voters will decide the fate of the SPLOST VIII referendum in the May 19, 2026 election.

The takeaway

This referendum represents an opportunity for Decatur County and its municipalities to fund critical infrastructure and community improvements through a 1% sales tax. The outcome could have far-reaching impacts on the region's future development and quality of life.