Public Meetings to Start on Penny Sales Tax Vote

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO) — “Clearly we have some deficits in our transportation but this is ultimately going to be up to the voters to decide if they believe if this is a good proposal or not,” says Stephany Snowden, Richland County Spokesperson. Once again, a “transportation penny” will be up for a vote from Richland County residents. The “transportation penny,” will fund things like road repairs and bus systems, will appear on the ballot on November 6. If approved, the sales tax in Richland County will increase to 8%. Richland County Councilman, Jim Manning says there are several reasons the proposal should pass. “A good solid bus system, for roads for the buses to travel on, intersections that are safe,” says Councilman Manning, District 8. But not everyone thinks a penny sales tax is a good idea. “It’s not just a penny,” says Don Weaver, President of the South Carolina Association of Taxpayers. “I don’t know why anyone would say that, it is just a penny,” says Councilman Manning. But Weaver says it’s more. “For the average family in Richland County who may spend $30,000 dollars a year in groceries, it’s an extra $300 each year,” says Weaver. The transportation tax isn’t new to Richland County, the proposal failed in 2010. “We won by about 1500 votes,” says Weaver. “Getting the information out wasn’t done very well and we’ve certainly learned lessons about that,” says Manning. So much so, Richland County is holding public meetings to educate. Monday night’s meeting on at the Adult Activity Center on Parklane Road will be the first of those meetings. But Mr. Weaver hopes to get his message across. “We are determined to go to these forums to make sure both sides of the story are being told,” says Weaver. However, he says this go-around could be harder than two years ago. “The economy is improving, people feel more confident about their jobs,” says Weaver. The same reason Councilman Manning believes the tax will pass. “We have an improved eonomy, yes there are people still hurting, but there will always be people hurting,” says Manning. If you are interested in attending the public meeting Monday night, it will take place at 6:00 p.m. at the Adult Activity Center 7494 Parklane Rd. Dentsville, SC 29223