LOST
City of Roswell Hosts LOST Town Hall Meeting
The City of Roswell hosted a Town Hall meeting on the Local Option Sales Tax (LOST), which represents more than $3 billion in revenue over a 10-year period.
Mayors from North Fulton cities participated in a panel discussion about LOST and its potentially significant impact on local communities. All Fulton County Commissioners were invited to participate in the discussion with residents.
Panel Participants
- 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
Meeting Information
Date: Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2022
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: Roswell City Hall, 38 Hill Street, Roswell, GA
Town Hall Presentation (PDF, opens in new tab)
LOST Background
Local Option Sales Tax (LOST) is one of the most significant sources of revenue for municipal governments in Georgia, second only to property taxes.
In Sandy Springs, LOST accounts for approximately 25% of the City’s General Fund revenue and helps fund:
- Police services
- Fire and EMS services
- Emergency management
- Parks and recreation programs
- Community events
- Sidewalks and road construction
- Road maintenance
- Other essential government services
In 2019, Georgia cities received more than $745 million in LOST revenues statewide. State law requires periodic renegotiation of the LOST distribution certificate based on specific triggering events.
What Is LOST?
LOST is a 1% sales tax approved through a local referendum and imposed on the purchase, sale, rental, storage, use, or consumption of tangible personal property and related services.
LOST revenue is used to support municipal services and help reduce property taxes.
Under Georgia law (O.C.G.A. § 48-8-81), 159 special districts are authorized to levy a LOST tax.
LOST remains one of the most significant sources of municipal revenue in Georgia. In 2019, cities received more than $745 million in LOST revenues statewide, accounting for approximately 19% of municipal general fund revenues.
LOST Negotiations Timeline
LOST would expire if an agreement was not reached by Dec. 30, 2022.
What Happens if LOST Expires?
Approximately one-quarter of Sandy Springs’ General Fund revenue comes from LOST.
If LOST expired, City services could be reduced, including:
- Police services
- Fire and EMS services
- Emergency medical response
- Recreation programs
- Community events
- Road construction
- Other essential government services
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