Chattooga County residents are about to face a pivotal moment in shaping the future of their community’s infrastructure and finances. On November 4, 2025, voters will head to the polls for a special election, coinciding with Georgia’s Statewide Special Election for Public Service Commission Districts 2 and 3. At the heart of the ballot are two significant proposals—each involving a new one percent sales and use tax—aimed at improving roads and reducing property taxes across the county.
According to WZQZ, the Chattooga County Elections and Registration office announced the special election this week, urging citizens to pay close attention to the details and potential impact of each measure. The timing isn’t accidental; by aligning the county’s vote with statewide races, officials hope to maximize turnout and ensure that as many voices as possible are heard on these weighty issues.
The first proposal on the ballot is straightforward but ambitious. Voters will see the question: “Shall a special 1 percent sales and use tax be imposed in the special district consisting of Chattooga County for a period of time not to exceed six (6) years and for the raising of an estimated amount of $20,500,000 in revenue for the purposes of County and City road improvement projects consisting of road paving, patching, resurfacing, widening, and improvements to intersections, crosswalks, and road drainage throughout Chattooga County?”
If approved, this measure could generate approximately $20.5 million over a six-year span, all earmarked for much-needed road work. The funds would go directly to projects such as paving, patching, resurfacing, widening, and upgrading intersections, crosswalks, and drainage systems throughout the county. This initiative is designed to address long-standing infrastructure needs that have affected both rural and urban areas within Chattooga. For many residents, the promise of smoother commutes and safer roadways is a compelling reason to consider the tax.
But that’s only half the story. The second question on the ballot offers a different kind of relief: “Shall a special one percent (1%) sales and use tax be imposed for 5 years within the special district of Chattooga County with the proceeds used exclusively to reduce property taxes imposed by Chattooga County and the Municipalities of Lyerly, Menlo, and Trion?”
This proposal would implement a separate 1% sales and use tax, but for a five-year period. Every cent collected would be used exclusively to lower property taxes in Chattooga County and its municipalities, including Lyerly, Menlo, and Trion. The measure is targeted at property owners who have felt the pinch of rising assessments and levies, offering a direct offset to their local tax bills. For those on fixed incomes or with significant property holdings, the prospect of financial relief could be a game-changer.
Both proposals are distinct—voters can approve one, both, or neither. The sales taxes would not overlap, and each is designed to address a specific challenge facing the community. County officials are encouraging all residents to study the measures carefully, weighing the benefits of improved infrastructure against the appeal of reduced property taxes.
Of course, none of these changes will be possible without robust participation at the polls, and this year, voter registration is more important than ever. As reported by AccessWDUN, Monday, October 6, 2025, is the deadline to register to vote in Georgia’s November 4 elections, including all referendums such as Hall County’s SPLOST extension and the Chattooga County measures. The urgency is heightened by the fact that the Georgia Secretary of State conducted a purge of voter registration rolls earlier this year, removing thousands of inactive voters from the lists.
“If you have any doubt about your status, check your status,” the outlet advises, pointing citizens to Georgia’s My Voter Page. The recent purge means that even long-time residents who haven’t voted in recent cycles might discover they are no longer eligible—unless they re-register before the deadline.
Once registered, voters have several ways to cast their ballots. Early voting for the November 4, 2025 elections will run from October 14 through October 31, offering a convenient window for those who want to avoid potential Election Day crowds. Details about absentee balloting and specific early voting locations will be released by the Chattooga County Elections and Registration office as the date approaches, ensuring everyone has the information they need to participate.
Most of the elections happening on November 4 are municipal races, with some contests cancelled due to only one candidate qualifying, according to AccessWDUN. However, the statewide race for a seat on the Public Service Commission remains on the ballot, adding another layer of importance to this election cycle. For Chattooga County, the combination of local and statewide issues is expected to drive higher turnout than a typical off-year election.
For those unfamiliar with the Public Service Commission, it’s the regulatory body that oversees utilities like electricity and natural gas in Georgia. Decisions made by the commission can have a direct impact on household bills and statewide energy policy, so the stakes extend beyond local tax and infrastructure questions.
Back in Chattooga, opinions on the twin tax proposals are already stirring debate. Supporters of the road improvement measure argue that the county’s roads have suffered from years of underinvestment, leading to potholes, dangerous intersections, and outdated drainage systems. They see the $20.5 million in potential funding as a rare opportunity to modernize infrastructure, improve safety, and support economic growth by making the area more attractive to businesses and visitors.
On the other hand, advocates for the property tax reduction proposal emphasize the burden that high property taxes place on homeowners, especially seniors and families living on tight budgets. By shifting a portion of the tax load to a broader sales base, they argue, the county can offer meaningful relief without sacrificing services. For many, the prospect of a lighter property tax bill is more tangible and immediate than long-term infrastructure upgrades.
There are, of course, those who remain skeptical of any new taxes, regardless of the intended use. Some residents worry about the cumulative impact of multiple sales taxes on everyday purchases, particularly for those with lower incomes. Others question whether the funds will be managed efficiently or if promises of road improvements and tax relief will truly materialize.
As the election approaches, county officials and local media are working to inform the public, outlining the specifics of each proposal and encouraging open dialogue. The hope is that by November 4, every voter will have a clear understanding of what’s at stake and the confidence to make an informed choice.
With registration deadlines looming and early voting just around the corner, the coming weeks will be crucial for Chattooga County. Whether residents prioritize smoother roads, lower property taxes, or simply want their voices heard in a year of big decisions, the ballot offers a rare chance to shape the community’s future for years to come.
