Item on Greater Greenville Sanitation bonds pulled; speakers urge investigation and oppose transfer-house plan

Greenville County Council removed agenda items related to the Greater Greenville Sanitation Commission (GGS) — including a proposed General Obligation bond and motions tied to the commission — from tonight's agenda. County leadership announced the removals early in the meeting and allowed those who planned to speak on the items to address council during appearances on current agenda items.

Speakers at the podium criticized GGS operations, questioned financial transparency and urged state oversight. "The transfer house envisioned by Greater Greenville Sanitation in their bond numbers is not economical to the citizenry. It's a waste of the people's assets," Ed Paxton told council, saying he "wholly agree[d] with item 16c" and its removal. David Davis, who said he represented citizens concerned about a GGS monopoly, called for "hard questions" including certified appraisals, real construction costs and environmental studies and expressed support for state bill H4003.

Several commenters accused GGS of using its statutory district powers to extend market advantage and of increasing taxpayer burdens in certain districts. "Why should Districts 19, 23 and 25 taxes be raised for unclear reasons given to date by Greater Greenville Sanitation, their board, and their director?" Davis asked. Paxton and others urged that decisions about bond approval and transfers require clearer cost estimates and environmental reviews before council action.

Council did not take action on GGS items during the meeting; the agenda items were listed as officially removed. Speakers who had signed to comment on those items either yielded their time or addressed council briefly. Council members did not take a substantive vote on GGS at this meeting, and staff did not present an item for public debate or formal council action during the session.