TIFTON, Ga. — The Tift County Board of Education approved a referendum resolution on January 15, 2026, calling for a countywide special election to be held on May 19, 2026. The referendum will ask voters to consider the continuation of the Education Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (E-SPLOST) for an additional five years, along with the authorization of up to $95 million in general obligation bonds to support major school capital projects and retire existing school debt.
Tift County Voters first approved the county-wide E-SPLOST in 1997, allowing it to become a funding source for capital projects. Since its implementation, E-SPLOST has reduced the Tift County Board of Education’s reliance on property tax millage rates to fund school improvements. As a result, the tax burden is shared more equitably among property and non-property owners.
Deputy Superintendent, Klinton Guess explains, “This is not a new tax; it’s a continuation of a current tax.” Historically about 60% of the E-SPLOST revenue in Tift County comes from people living outside of the county who come in to work, shop, and dine.
In Tift County, E-SPLOST is a one-penny sales tax levied for the purpose of funding school capital needs, including the construction of new schools, replacement facilities, and renovations of existing buildings. A large portion of the funds are also allocated to addressing aging technology, enhancing school security measures, and purchasing and maintaining school buses.
If approved by voters, the referendum would allow the Tift County School District to move forward with a comprehensive plan to address current and future facility and infrastructure needs while continuing to manage local tax dollars responsibly.
Tift County Schools 2026 ESPLOST Projects
Constructing and equipping up to three new schools serving Pre-K through sixth grade students
Renovating, repairing, and improving existing school facilities, including spaces supporting fine arts, athletics, and Career, Technical and Agricultural Education (CTAE) programs
Purchasing and upgrading instructional and administrative technology, textbooks, instructional resources, and equipment
Improving school safety, security, and maintenance infrastructure
Acquiring school buses and other student transportation vehicles
Purchasing and improving land for future school facilities
Retire a percentage of the district’s Series 2022 bonds
Debt service on Series 2026 bonds
Election Details
Election Date: May 19, 2026
Last Day to Register to Vote: April 20, 2026
Early Voting: Dates and locations will be announced by the Tift County Elections Office
Transparency and Public Information
The official referendum resolution, including the full ballot language, along with informational materials, will be available on the Tift County School District website. These resources are intended to help community members understand the scope, cost, and purpose of the proposed projects and funding.