Greenwood County Council Discusses Proposed Penny Sales Tax for Capital Projects

Greenwood County Council Discusses Proposed Penny Sales Tax for Capital Projects

Despite unpleasant weather conditions throughout the morning and rolling thunderstorms by the afternoon, Greenwood County council convened Tuesday to discuss the proposed penny sales tax, which is to feature on the general election ballot in November 2024. Steve Coleman, Chairman of the Greenwood County 2024 Capital Project Sales Tax Commission, vocally supported the draft project list and the proposed referendum question.

Public Speaks in Favor of the Penny Sales Tax

During the county council meeting, the public had the rare chance to discuss their thoughts on the proposed penny sales tax. One speaker brought up criticisms concerning the process for drafting the 27-project list that will be put up on November’s ballot, however, an overwhelming 17 people spoke in favor of the tax.

Process for Determining Projects Funded by the Tax

Applications for projects intended to serve the general public started being accepted in January 2024. Each application needed to provide a description of the project for consideration, an estimate of costs, and details on what the project could bring to residents and visitors of Greenwood. Once all applications were collected, a commission made up by six commissioners from the city and county councils was entrusted with the task of finalizing a list of suitable projects.

Proposed Project Sparks Controversy

The proposed $1.17 million project to fund a feasibility study on constructing a new detention center sparked some controversy. Initially, an application for a new county jail and sheriff’s office administrative complex with a price tag of $80.1 million was filed. However, after a public safety committee meeting the application was changed to set aside $16 million seed money for the future construction of the jail.

In response to this intended change, George McKinney, the first person to speak during the hearing, noted that he disapproved of the new ordinance but not the capital project sales tax as whole. He critically noted that the cost of the study was not estimated and hence, the commission’s decision to change the original proposal did not have a reliable cost estimate as required for all potential projects.

Sales Tax Garners Support from Different Quarters

Despite the debated amendment, multiple individuals involved in the Capital Project Sales Tax project voiced their positive opinions on the process. Rossie Corwon, chairwoman of the infrastructure committee, and economic development committee chairman Jim Medford, both praised the county’s process, insisting it exceeded state law requirements. David Trent, representing the Greenwood SC Chamber of Commerce, noted that the chamber had supported the 2016 tax and was fully behind the 2024 initiative as well.

Votes on the Tax Set for November

Following the public hearing, the county council voted 6-0 to deliberate the second reading of the ordinance calling for the Capital Project Sales Tax referendum. Greenwood County Council Chairman Chuck Moates was absent from Tuesday’s meeting. A final vote on the tax’s fate will be held in the future with the public getting the ultimate opportunity to voice their opinion come November.