Baldwin County residents to vote on sales tax increase for road projects

Baldwin County voters face a decision this Election Day that could accelerate road and bridge repairs throughout the county. The ballot features a TSPLOST measure that could raise the local sales tax by one percentage point.

MILLEDGEVILLE, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — Baldwin County voters face a decision this Election Day that could accelerate road and bridge repairs throughout the county. The ballot features a TSPLOST measure that could raise the local sales tax by one percentage point.

Right now, Baldwin County residents are taxed at a rate of 7%. If approved, the Transportation Special Local Option Sales Tax (TSPLOST) would allocate funds specifically for the maintenance and repair of roads, bridges and sidewalks. Election Day is Tuesday.

“With the condition of the roads we have, they’re going to get to a point where some bridges may even have to close,” Baldwin County Manager Carlos Tobar said.

The proposed tax increase aims to address the deteriorating condition of the county’s infrastructure more swiftly. In the past, the county has managed to pave only five miles of road each year. According to Tobar, the current pace is insufficient given the worsening state of the roads.

One of the first roads slated for repair is Pineaway Drive SE in Milledgeville. Although it may appear normal to the naked eye, County Engineer Brian Wood warns there’s just dirt beneath the asphalt, leading to potential potholes and rough driving conditions.

If the measure is not approved, repairs will still occur but at a much slower rate, Tobar said.

Early voting runs through Friday.