DeKalb County unveils new SPLOST Review Committee Dec. 11, expanding new era of citizen oversight

DEKALB COUNTY, GA – DeKalb County Government will convene the first meeting of its newly-formed SPLOST Review Committee on Thursday, Dec.11, 6 to 7:30 p.m., 178 Sams Street in Decatur. This meeting marks  a significant step in strengthening public oversight, transparency, and accountability in the administration of the County’s Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) program, DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran Johnson announced in her December online newsletter.

Meeting topics will include: 

• Understanding the SPLOST Program 

• Overview of SPLOST II 

• Review of adopted broad category spending priorities • SPLOST Review Committee roles and responsibilities 

• Establishment of the 2026 SPLOST calendar 

Presenters include: 

• Chris Kingsbury, SPLOST Program Manager 

• Zach Williams, Chief Operating Officer, DeKalb County 

• Lorraine Cochran-Johnson, CEO, DeKalb County 

• Terry Phillips, Esq., County Attorney, DeKalb County 

• Christopher Bruce, Esq., Legislative Policy Analyst Background: SPLOST I & II

DeKalb County made a major investment in its future in November 2023 with  72% of DeKalb County voters approving the renewal of the County’s 2017 SPLOST, which expired in March 2024. 

Revenue collection for the renewed 2023 SPLOST II began in April 2024 and will continue through March 2030. Over the six-year collection period, SPLOST II is expected to generate approximately $496 million for unincorporated DeKalb County. The original 2017 SPLOST I required that 85% of all funds be dedicated to transportation and public safety projects, with the remaining 15% allocated to repairs and improvements of other capital outlay projects. That program generated approximately $396 million in revenue for unincorporated DeKalb County. Combined, the 2017 SPLOST I and 2023 SPLOST II programs are projected to generate $884 million, representing one of the most significant capital investments in DeKalb’s history. 

Funds will support critical improvements to infrastructure, public safety, facilities, transportation networks, and community assets. 

“SPLOST continues to transform the landscape of DeKalb County,” said CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson. “The SPLOST Review Committee plays a vital role in ensuring transparency, strengthening public trust, and overseeing investments that improve quality of life for residents across every corner of our county.” 

About the SPLOST Review Committee 

The SPLOST Review Committee was created to enhance citizen oversight, monitor progress on SPLOST-funded projects, and ensure responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars.

The committee will meet regularly and publish updates, reports, and project summaries to keep the public informed throughout the life of the program. Meeting 

Details 

Date: Dec. 11, 2025 

Time: 6– 7:30 p.m.

Location: 178 Sams Street, Decatur, GA 

The meeting is open to the public, and residents are encouraged to attend.