The Gwinnett Chamber has announced its formal support for the renewal of the Education Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (E-SPLOST) in Gwinnett County. The chamber’s Board of Directors unanimously approved a resolution to endorse the continuation of E-SPLOST during its September meeting, following a recommendation from the Public Policy Advisory Committee.
“Since 1997, Gwinnett’s E-SPLOST dollars have funded necessary facility maintenance and improvements along with education and technology resources that better equip our students for success,” said Brad Carr, 2025 Chair of the Gwinnett Chamber Board of Directors. “The business community fully supports the continuation of E-SPLOST this November and recognizes its role in sustaining world-class education for years to come.”
Trey Ragsdale, representing Kaiser Permanente and serving as Vice Chair of the chamber’s Public Policy Advisory Committee, introduced the resolution to the Board. Kelley Balkcom from Georgia Power, who also chairs the Renew E-SPLOST 2025 committee, outlined ways businesses can contribute to supporting renewal efforts.
“Thanks to E-SPLOST, Gwinnett County Public Schools has been able to substantially lower its property tax millage rate over the past several years,” shared Ragsdale. “Over a third of the revenue generated from E-SPLOST comes from non-Gwinnett residents who shop in Gwinnett County.”
“School safety investments, facility improvements, and modernized classroom technology are essential to student success,” added Balkcom. “Every cluster will continue to benefit from E-SPLOST funds.”
Voters will decide on whether to extend the one-cent sales tax on retail sales through 2031 in an upcoming referendum this November. More information about E-SPLOST is available at https://gwinnettesplost.com/.
