Greenville County Council Gears Up for a Big Shake-Up!
Greenville, SC – Exciting changes are brewing in the Greenville County Council as we prepare for a major transformation next month. The 12-member council, known for its lively debates and occasional fiery disputes, could see the balance of power shift dramatically as new members take their seats. Let’s dive into what this means for the largest county in South Carolina!
A Conclusion to an Eventful Term
As the current council gears up to say goodbye, the final meeting on December 3 was a whirlwind of activity. A hefty agenda of 12 pages packed with significant policy decisions and initiatives kicked off, including a new unified development ordinance and updates to the county’s affordable housing policy. Among the notable items, members extended the contract of County Administrator Joe Kernell and made moves to attract new industrial projects, all while critics whispered fears of rushed decisions before the newcomers dive in.
Outgoing council members defended their actions, proclaiming that many of these items had been years in the making. Nevertheless, some community voices believe the final decisions were hastily pushed through out of concern that incoming members would put the brakes on these significant initiatives.
The Shift Begins
In June, the tides began to turn when community challengers ousted three sitting council members during the primaries, stemming from backlash over a property tax hike implemented in 2023—the first in thirty years! The increase, costing homeowners about $58 a year for a $200,000 house, sparked frustration among local residents.
Now, with the election of Garey Collins, Kelly Long, and Curt McGahhey, the dynamic of the council is set for a shake-up. These new council members campaigned aggressively against the incumbents, rallying around the notion that the county’s rapid growth is in dire need of scrutiny.
A Divided Council
The latest council has been divided into two factions over the past couple of years. On one side, there’s Council Chairman Dan Tripp and his supporters, who have enjoyed a majority vote by margins ranging from four to eight. On the opposing side stands council members Steve Shaw, Stan Tzouvelekas, and Benton Blount, who have been outspoken critics of council decisions.
This division was evident during the December 3 meeting when extending Kernell’s contract received a 10-2 vote, while the unified development ordinance squeaked through with a 7-5 approval. As ongoing discussions about tax break agreements heat up, most votes landed around 8-4, with members on the pro-tax-break side arguing that these deals were crucial for attracting job creators. Meanwhile, the critics maintain that these incentives have been too generous and are stifling the county’s infrastructure.
What Lies Ahead?
The new council members appear to align more closely with Shaw, which could mean a greater challenge for large companies seeking tax breaks going forward. With newcomers eager to explore ways to repeal the 2023 tax increase and possibly revisit the recently passed UDO—already criticized for hastiness—the upcoming council meetings are sure to generate sparks!
Voices of Change
Collins expressed his frustrations, claiming the push to vote on numerous items was a clear attempt to rush through policy decisions that many council members, including him, do not support. In a heated exchange during the December 3 meeting, both he and McGahhey made it known that significant changes were on the horizon when the new members step into their roles next month.
Butch Kirven, the longest-serving council member, shared his perspective in defense of the outgoing council’s agenda, stating that they were merely continuing with business as usual and ensuring their term finished with necessary decisions.
Stay Tuned!
As we wrap up 2024 and welcome in a new year, all eyes will be on the Greenville County Council. The shift in its dynamics promises lively discussions and perhaps a new direction for the council’s priorities. Will the incoming members face the challenges head-on, or will the current trajectory continue? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: Greenville is ready for change!
