LOST

CITY OF ROSWELL HOSTS LOST TOWN HALL MEETING

The City of Roswell hosted a Town Hall on Local Option Sales Tax (LOST), which represents revenue of over $3 billion over ten years. The Mayors from North Fulton cities participated in a panel discussion on LOST and its potentially dramatic effect on our communities. All Fulton County Commissioners were invited to participate in this important opportunity for dialogue with residents.

Panel Participants Include:
• Jim Gilvin, Mayor of Alpharetta
• John Bradberry, Mayor of Johns Creek
• Peyton Jamison, Mayor of Milton
• Jim Still, Mayor of Mountain Park
• Kurt Wilson, Mayor of Roswell
• Rusty Paul, Mayor of Sandy Springs

Panel Moderator:
• Steve Gehlbach, Channel 2 Action News Reporter, WSB-TV

When: Wednesday, Sept. 21. 7:00 p.m. Where: Roswell City Hall, 38 Hill Street, Roswell, GA. 

Town Hall Presentation

LOST Background

Local Options Sales Tax (LOST) is one of the most significant sources of revenue for municipal governments in Georgia, second only to the property tax. In the case of Sandy Springs, LOST is approximately 25% of Sandy Springs’ General Fund revenue and is used to provide police, fire, EMS, emergency management, recreation, community events, sidewalks, road construction, and maintenance and other essential government services. In 2019, cities received in excess of $745 million in LOST revenues. Statewide, LOST revenues account for 19% of municipal general fund revenues. State law requires periodic renegotiation of the LOST distribution certificate based on specific triggering events.

What is LOST?

(LOST) is a 1 percent sales tax activated by a local referendum and imposed on the purchase, sale, rental, storage, use, or consumption of tangible personal property and related services. LOST is used to provide municipal services and to reduce property taxes. LOST is a special district tax where state law (O.C.G.A. §48-8-81) creates 159 special districts in Georgia for the purpose of levying a LOST.  LOST is one of the most significant sources of revenue for municipal governments in Georgia, second only to the property tax. In 2019, cities received in excess of $745 million in LOST revenues. Statewide, LOST revenues account for 19% of municipal general fund revenues. State law requires periodic renegotiation of the LOST distribution certificate based on specific triggering events.

LOST Negotiations Timeline

LOST Expires if an agreement isn't reached by December 30, 2022.

What happens if LOST Expires?

Approximately a quarter of our total general fund revenue is from LOST. City services could be cut including reductions on police, fire, emergency medical response, recreational programs, community events, road construction and other essential government services. 

July 15, 2022 News Release from 15 Cities Regarding Fulton County LOST Proposal