Sandy Springs residents will decide Tuesday, Nov. 3 whether to extend a 0.75% sales tax that would funnel roughly $129 million into local road, sidewalk, and trail projects over five years.

The Fulton County Board of Commissioners approved the ballot referendum at a special called meeting Monday, Aug. 3, passing Resolution 26-0430 and signing an intergovernmental agreement that spells out how the money gets divided among the county and 14 participating cities. Chairman Robb Pitts was authorized to execute the IGA on behalf of the county.

The vote locks in the biggest single pot of capital dollars Sandy Springs has on the horizon. The city's share would fund the $44.6 million second phase of the Hammond Drive widening, stretching from Boylston Drive to Roswell Road and from Glenridge Drive to Barfield Road, according to Rough Draft Atlanta. Another $16 million is earmarked for the city's sidewalk program, with additional allocations for bridges, congestion relief, intersection realignment, and bike improvements.

The tax rate stays the same. The 0.75% levy keeps Sandy Springs' total sales-tax rate at 7.75%. Collections from the current TSPLOST cycle run through March 31, 2027; if voters approve the extension, the new tax would take effect April 1, 2027, and expire March 31, 2032.

Fulton County voters first approved the TSPLOST in November 2016, passing it with 52.7% during a high-turnout presidential year. They renewed it in 2021 with more than 60% support in an off-year municipal election. This time the question lands on a general-election ballot, where higher turnout historically produces tighter margins on tax referendums.

Sandy Springs Mayor Rusty Paul participated in earlier TSPLOST negotiations at the county's June 9 special called meeting. Fulton County's official social media account confirmed Aug. 3 that commissioners and mayors from North and South Fulton cities signed the continuation agreement.

Voter registration for the Nov. 3 election closes Monday, Oct. 5. Early in-person voting begins Tuesday, Oct. 13, and absentee ballot applications are due by Friday, Oct. 23, according to the county's official call for election.