Council approves 2nd reading of 1% sales-tax referendum to appear on November ballot

At a special-call meeting the Mauldin City Council approved second reading of an ordinance to place a 1% municipal sales-tax referendum on the November ballot under the state’s Municipal Tax Relief Act. The measure, if approved by voters, would fund property-tax relief and capital projects; staff projected roughly $24.5 million over eight years and explained how funds would be divided.

"The city is projecting at this point in time to, generate about $24,500,000 over 8 years with 4,900,000 or just under 5,000,000 going towards property tax relief and 19,600,000 go going towards capital projects," Duncan said while outlining the referendum allocation in the packet. The draft referendum language the council reviewed included about $15.6 million earmarked for roadway repaving and approximately $4 million for Fire Station 5. Staff noted the Department of Revenue would assess a 1% collection fee and that the city may choose to bond portions of project funding or use pay-go methods.

Council members discussed which roads the funding would address and cautioned that several frequently complained-about roads are outside city jurisdiction and would not be eligible for this municipal program. Several members emphasized voter education and transparency about the project list before the referendum. The council adopted the ordinance on second reading by voice vote; staff will transmit the ordinance to the county to place the question on the November ballot.