Union County SPLOST funds boost fire, EMA and 911 capabilities

Blairsville, Ga. — A long-running 1% Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax has financed major upgrades to Union County’s fire department, Emergency Management Agency and 911 center, according to Union County Fire and Rescue.

The department recently addressed questions about the tax, known as SPLOST, and its effects on public safety. Officials said the funding has purchased equipment, built facilities and lowered insurance rates for residents and businesses while improving response capabilities.

SPLOST is a local option sales tax approved by voters for specific capital projects. Union County has collected it for nearly 30 years. At the time of the department’s statement, only three Georgia counties lacked a SPLOST, according to the Georgia Department of Revenue.

Emergency Management Agency benefits include rescue equipment and the Emergency Operations Center. The EOC was constructed as part of the 2013 upgrade to the fire department’s headquarters station. Before that, EMA operated from a small office. The center now serves as the county’s coordinating hub for disasters and major emergencies.

The fire department has seen the broadest impact. SPLOST paid for the new headquarters (Station 1), other volunteer and career stations across the county, and the UCFD Training Facility. Officials said the stations and training site have expanded capabilities and helped lower the county’s Insurance Services Office rating, which can reduce homeowners and business insurance premiums.

Funding also bought fire apparatus, rescue vehicles, a ladder truck, support vehicles and personal protective equipment. That equipment includes turnout gear and the recent replacement of 120 self-contained breathing apparatus units that protect firefighters during structure fires and other emergencies.

The newest major project is a new 911 center. The existing center operates from a roughly 65-year-old building that officials described as rundown. The replacement facility is larger, more secure and designed for long-term use. SPLOST also covered the high-tech equipment and software needed for modern 911 communications.

“These are just a few SPLOST projects that affect the EMA, fire, and 911 departments,” the department stated.

“There is little doubt that SPLOST funding has improved and enhanced the public safety of this county.”

Union County Fire and Rescue encouraged residents to research the tax themselves and review official information at unioncountysplost.org.