Greenville Co. residents weigh in on proposed penny sales tax road projects

GREENVILLE COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA) — Grenville County residents got a look at what roads may be fixed if a penny sales tax is adopted. A public meeting was held Thursday in Greer.

County leaders have created a list of 1,400 roads they recommend be fixed if the sales tax is approved. However, the list is not yet finalized. They are inviting residents to give suggestions if they believe the county failed to include a specific road.

“Ultimately, they [voters] have the say,” Keith Smith, a Capital Project Sales Tax commissioner, said. “They’re going to the ballot box to vote this up or down. Nobody else has a say but the voters. It’s very important that they see this, have input and that we listen to them.”

If approved by voters, the penny sales tax is expected to generate about $1 billion over eight years. The money will be used to renovate roads in need of repair.

“There’s definitely a need for this penny sales tax because in the past two years, asphalt alone has more than doubled in its price,” Terry Bragg said.

“It’s an enormous project,” Smith added. “It’s an enormous undertaking. It will take eight years to do all four phases, but it has to be done.”

The proposed tax would not be added to groceries, pharmaceuticals or gasoline. A large chunk of the funding is expected to be paid by tourists.

“I don’t see how we can not do it when 30 to 40 percent comes from visitors, and the roads are in such poor shape,” Jeff Hilderbran said.

There will be two more meetings for the public to learn more about the project:

• Monday, May 6 – Greenville County Admin. Building, 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
• Thursday, May 9 – Travelers Rest City Hall, 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.

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