Council accepts 34-project Penny list and approves first reading of one-cent sales-tax ordinance

Robert “Bob” Smith, chairman of the 2022 Capital Projects Sales Tax Commission, presented the commission’s report and the ballot-ready list of 34 projects for a proposed countywide one-cent capital projects sales tax. Smith said the commission met seven times to consider proposals and the ballot question was prepared in line with South Carolina’s Section 4-10-330 requirements. The list includes wildfire and emergency equipment, paving and road projects, industrial park infrastructure, park and trail improvements, downtown accessibility renovations, airport upgrades, and an authorization for a $40 million general obligation bond to be amortized with the sales tax collections.

Councilman Baker moved to accept the commission’s list for inclusion in the proposed Capital Projects Sales Tax Referendum Ordinance; Councilman Baten seconded, and Council unanimously accepted the list for inclusion.

Council then considered Ordinance 22-976 to impose, subject to referendum, a one-percent sales and use tax for up to seven years and to authorize up to $40 million in general obligation bonds. Councilman Baker moved and Councilman Baten seconded; Council unanimously granted first reading to Ordinance 22-976. Councilmembers emphasized that the proposal is intended to continue the existing 'penny' for another seven years rather than add a separate tax.

The minutes note that additional descriptive material about each project will be made available on the county website; specific project-level funding amounts and implementation sequencing will follow if the referendum is approved by voters.