Roswell could receive $85 million to $95 million for road, bridge and trail projects if Fulton County voters approve a transportation sales tax renewal on Nov. 3.

The Transportation Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax, or TSPLOST, is a 0.75% levy on taxable goods and services purchased in Fulton County outside Atlanta's city limits. Voters first approved it in 2016 and renewed it in 2021.

Each cycle lasts five years.

Mayor Mary Robichaux and Transportation Planning Manager Mark Dana laid out the stakes in an episode of the city's "Inside Roswell" podcast released Wednesday, Sept. 23. Dana walked through how previous TSPLOST dollars funded Roswell improvements and how the city built its 2026 project list.

Roswell's Mayor and City Council approved 18 proposed projects for submission to Fulton County on May 26. The projects fall into three categories: Operations and Safety, Pedestrian and Bicycle, and Citywide Programs and Project Management.

Top-priority projects include the East Roswell Loop Multi-Use Trail, a bridge repair program, citywide resurfacing, corridor improvements on Nesbit Ferry Road and Hembree Road, and rehabilitation of the Vickery Creek Trail. Earlier public input also identified replacement of two aging bridges at Old Holcomb Bridge Road and Oxbo Road, roundabouts, signal timing upgrades and a residential traffic-calming program, according to the city's project page.

The tax is not paid only by Roswell residents. Tourists, visitors and businesses buying taxable goods anywhere in Fulton County outside Atlanta contribute to the pot. The city's $85 million to $95 million estimate reflects a conservative projection, according to Roswell Connections, the city's official news site. County officials estimate the renewal would generate more than $650 million countywide. The Fulton Neighbor reported Roswell's share at $98,202,519 based on full collection projections.

Fulton County commissioners voted unanimously in early August to place the renewal on the ballot. On Aug. 3, commissioners and leaders from 14 participating cities signed the intergovernmental agreement clearing the way for the referendum.

"Transportation remains one of the top concerns identified by Fulton County residents," Fulton County Chairman Robb Pitts said when the agreement was signed.

The TSPLOST referendum is a countywide vote excluding Atlanta. If a majority of Fulton County voters outside Atlanta approve the measure, TSPLOST renews even if most Roswell voters oppose it. If the renewal fails, the current program expires in March 2027 and the 18 proposed Roswell projects lose their TSPLOST funding.

The TSPLOST vote comes as Roswell residents also weigh a separate property tax increase. As we reported Sept. 23, residents packed a public hearing to oppose a proposed 5.9-mill rate hike. The two measures are distinct: TSPLOST is a sales tax decided by countywide vote, while the millage rate is a city property tax set by the Roswell City Council.

Voter registration for the Nov. 3 election closes Oct. 5. Early voting runs Oct. 13 through Oct. 30. Election Day polls open at 7 a.m. and close at 7 p.m.