Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Capital Projects Sales Tax topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Saluda County council approves first reading of 1% capital projects sales tax and hears project list from committee
Summary
Council approved first reading of Ordinance 05‑26 to place a 1% capital projects sales and use tax on the ballot and heard the committee chair describe prioritized projects — recreation gym, fire and EMS facilities, sheriff’s expansion, and a sewer extension — with projected collections of about $18.98 million and proposed projects totaling about $17.79 million.
Saluda County Council on first reading approved Ordinance 05‑26 to reimpose a 1% capital projects sales and use tax subject to a countywide referendum under the Capital Projects Sales Tax Act (S.C. Code Ann. §4‑10‑300). The ordinance would authorize up to $18 million in bonds and designate projects and spending priorities if voters approve the tax.
Ricky Bailey, chairman of the capital project sales tax committee, presented the committee’s work and the list of priority projects. "This tax is not a new tax, but it’s a continuation of the existing one," Bailey said, and described committee site visits and evaluation criteria used between January and April. The committee prioritized projects focused on children and seniors, first responders, infrastructure and growth, including a county recreation gym (a joint town/county/YMCA project), fire department replacements or upgrades at Duncan and Fruit Hill, expansion of the sheriff’s department — including evidence storage and 911 capacity — and two EMS centers (Traffic Circle and Ridge Spring). Bailey also recommended a sewer line extension from Holly Ferry Road to the traffic circle to support growth and attract businesses.
Chair noted projected collections of $18,977,000 and a total estimated project cost of $17,793,750 and clarified how bond repayment would be funded. "It's important to understand that the money that would pay those bonds back is the capital project sales tax revenue," the Chair said, adding it would not be an additional tax beyond the sales tax paid by purchasers at the point of sale.
Council members asked clarifying questions about specific needs and the committee’s process. The motion for first reading was seconded and approved by voice vote. The ordinance proceeds to subsequent readings and, if adopted, would require placement on the ballot for a countywide referendum.
The council did not adopt final project contracts or bond issuances at this meeting; the Chair said budget implications and any required borrowing would be discussed further at a council workshop and future meetings.
