The Richland County Community School District 1 board approved the district’s 2025 tax levy following public comment and board discussion about rising operating costs and fund balances.

A resident, Taylor Piercefield, addressed the board during public comment and urged a three‑year tax‑levy freeze, argued the district should use certificates of deposit or bond proceeds to reduce borrowing, and accused the superintendent of poor budget stewardship. Piercefield said the petition he submitted increased from roughly 180 signatures at first appearance to about 300. The board did not take action on a freeze during public comment.

In discussion before the roll‑call vote, board members said they understood taxpayer concern but that the levy, as proposed, is needed to cover rising costs. One board member said the levy increase would not fully cover next year’s projected wage commitments and that the district would otherwise draw down fund balances. The board noted the district’s 1% sales tax revenue and other capital resources as part of long‑term planning.

Motion and vote: The levy motion was made by Mr. Coker and seconded by Mr. Wilson. Roll‑call results were: Jake Anderson — No; Lockley — Yes; Dennis Anderson — Yes; Bailey — Yes; Coker — No; Snyder — Yes; Wilson — Yes. The levy motion passed.

The board also approved two abatement resolutions that instruct the county clerk that certain general‑obligation/alternate‑revenue bonds (Series 2018 and 2019) will be paid from alternative revenue sources rather than property taxes. Administration explained that the abatement informs the county clerk so property taxes are not levied for those obligations; filing aligns with levy procedures and may be completed by March 1 if needed.

What happens next: Administration said it will prepare additional detail about the district’s use of the 1% sales tax, capital‑project reserves and options to abate future levies when excess revenue permits. The board discussed adopting a target baseline for the 1% revenue and using surplus above that baseline to abate future taxes or accelerate debt payments.

Votes at a glance:
• 2025 tax levy — Motion by Coker, second by Wilson; approved (Yes 5, No 2).
• Abatement resolutions (Series 2018 & 2019) — Motion by Wilson, second by Bailey; approved unanimously.

The board approved additional routine items later in the meeting, including authorizing RFPs for beverage and fuel contracts and approving the district’s financial reports.