2026 SPLOST feature:

Over the coming days, we’ll be taking a closer look at some of the projects that would be funded in UNINCORPORATED Walker County, if voters choose to continue a special purpose local option sales tax, also known as SPLOST.

Nearly $14,500,000 would fund improvements for Fire Rescue.

Fire Chief Blake Hodge said, “We have a vehicle replacement program that heavily relies on the SPLOST projects. So we have over 50 vehicles in our fleet. We have 23 pumpers. The majority of those pumpers have an average age of 30 years. They’re just consistently breaking down on us. It’s harder to get parts, it takes longer to get them in service, maintain them. So newer, newer apparatus are safer, they’re more efficient. So it’s a must have for Walker County.”

SPLOST would also fund a new fire headquarters in Rock Spring, replacing Station 1, as well as renovations to the seven fire stations with career firefighters. “These career stations that we have were metal structures that were built for volunteer stations 30 and 40 years ago, and then as the Department grew and required full time personnel, they just built inside of these the best they could with the money they had. So they’re not conducive to the current standards of health and safety efficiency,” added Hodge.

The buildings have leaks and maintenance issues, and in some cases, little to no privacy, making it tougher to recruit and retain firefighters. “Most fire departments work 24 to 48 hour shifts. So they’re here when they’re here a third of their life. It’s very important that it’s that it’s a good environment,” said Hodge.

Walker County voters have approved SPLOST every time it’s been on the ballot since the 1980’s. The yes or no question will be decided November 4th.

Visit the 2026 SPLOST page to see all the programs planned.