EXPLAINED: How would a Penny Tax Referendum work in Greenville?
GREENVILLE, S.C. – For the first time in 10 years, the Greenville County Council is discussing the possibility of a penny sales tax. But what does this mean for you? And what impact could it really have? It would fund roads, but even though county leaders are the ones driving the discussion now, the real power lies in your hands.
The Proposal
“It’s a big problem, we’ve been grappling with it for several years now, it’s time we have to find a solution,” said Councilman Butch Kirven. That’s the consensus among leaders and some say the only way to get the money needed is a 1 cent sales tax.
“There are 46 counties in SC, 43 of them have some type of penny sales tax,” said Kirven. There are two types: a transportation tax and capital tax.
Transportation can last up to 25 years, there’s also more flexibility for how to spend it. Capital taxes are up to 8 years, with a specific list of projects to fund. If Greenville goes the capital route, they’ll raise about $131 million annually.
According to Chairman Dan Tripp, “30 to 40 percent of that would be paid by people from out of the county that come into the county drive through our roads.”
The Process
Tripp says there’s a process before it reaches the ballot. First council signs a resolution to kick things off. Then, they appoint a 6-member commission, that group reviews and amends a list of priority projects, then the council votes—3 times, with a public hearing. If it passes you’ll be asked to vote “yes” or “no” in November.
“If the referendum is approved by voters, all the revenue stays in Greenville County,” said Kirven.
Past Attempts
Greenville County tried and failed to pass a penny tax in 2014. Lingering friction from that along with the recent property tax increase have some people hesitant.
“They just are concerned that the money will not be used for what has been promised,” said Councilman Benton Blount. He says that’s why clarity and education is pivotal this time around.
“We need to do anything we can do to inform the public about what this money would be going towards,” Blount said. “Especially since ultimately the citizens are the ones who will vote on whether it’s approved or not.”
Your Input Matters
In order to make a list of priority projects, they need your feedback. You can submit problem roadways online right now and check out a new website to learn about the county’s road problems.
Closing Thoughts
Giving the county the power to collect the penny tax would ultimately mean the county has access to more resources to improve and maintain the roads we drive on every day. It would come at a cost to residents and visitors but would provide much-needed revenue to tackle the growing infrastructure challenges in Greenville County. The final decision lies in the hands of the voters, who will decide if the benefits outweigh the potential drawbacks.
