Greenwood Residents Encouraged to Participate in $120 Million Community Project Tax Initiative

Greenwood Residents Have a Chance to Shape Their Community with New Project Tax

Good morning, Greenwood! If you’re a local resident, it’s time to mark your calendars. A penny tax initiative is on the radar, and it could bring in more than $120 million over the next seven years to fund 27 community projects. Keeping track of local developments? You’ll want to pay attention to this one.

What’s This About?

The 2024 Capital Project Sales Tax—or CPST—is poised to follow in the footsteps of the 2016 initiative, which collected more than $77 million. Chamber of Commerce President Trentsie Williams has been pretty enthusiastic about it. She’s been hitting the streets, presenting to the local folks and breaking down what this all means. Sadly, it looks like not many are tuning in.

Low Turnout for High Stakes

Since August 29, regular meetings have been scheduled, but the turnout has been far from grand. No-shows and nearly empty chairs seem to be a running theme. According to Williams, only about 10 to 15 residents came to the September 5 meeting at the Greenwood Main Fire Station, while the September 12th meeting in Ninety Six saw just four attendees.

Despite these low numbers, some who did attend voiced concerns. One resident worried about the possible impact on property taxes. Williams, however, remains optimistic. “We have a very good message to tell about the community good and all the things that we can do with the 27 projects,” she said.

Details, Details, Details

Missed the meetings? Here’s a breakdown:

• Project Focus: The 27 projects are wide-ranging—from public safety enhancements to economic development and infrastructure improvements.
• Funding: If the referendum passes, the penny tax will replace the expiring 2016 tax—it’s not an additional tax!
• External Contributions: Believe it or not, 38-41% of the funds are expected to come from non-residents who shop and dine in Greenwood.

Why You Should Care

Here are just a few notable projects on the 2024 list:

• Fire Service Master Plan: A whopping $28 million to include new fire stations and updated firefighting apparatus.
• New Career Center: Over $10.5 million is slated for a new career center at Piedmont Technical College, aiming to keep younger generations in Greenwood.
• Community Enhancements: From repairing bridges to updating wastewater plants, many “not so sexy projects” are crucial for daily life.

Historically Speaking

The 2016 penny tax helped accomplish a lot: Boat ramps, new industrial facilities, park updates, and more. Not everything is done yet, but more is on the way—like the upgraded recreation complex and inclusive playground. “Every project matters and is an important piece to the puzzle that is community betterment,” Williams emphasized.

The Road Ahead

So, what’s next? The final vote on the 2024 CPST will be held on November 5. There are still a few more public forums left for you to attend and voice your opinions. Here are the upcoming meetings:

• Troy: September 19, 6:30 PM
• Promised Land: September 23, 6:30 PM
• Epworth-Phoenix: September 30, 6:30 PM
• Ware Shoals: October 3, 6:30 PM
• Callison: October 8, 6:30 PM
• Northwest: October 10, 6:30 PM
• Greenwood City: October 14, 6:30 PM
• Coronaca: October 22, 6:30 PM

Your presence matters, Greenwood! Let’s show up, learn more, and make informed decisions. After all, these projects are set to make Greenwood a better place to live, work, and play.