COLUMBIA, S.C. — Richland County Council wants to hear from you regarding a proposed Transportation Sales Tax, or "Penny Tax," referendum. If passed, the referendum would authorize a 1% transportation sales and use tax.
The last time Richland County Council passed a Penny Tax was in 2012. Since then, the county has collected $1.07 billion in transportation funding. The proposal estimates the new Penny Tax proceeds would be $4.5 billion over 25 years. The money collected would be allocated as follows:
- 30%, approximately $1.35 billion, to Community Investment Projects -- the Penny Tax breakdown within this category would be: $164 million for road resurfacing/rebuilding; $85 million for pedestrian safety and access; $165 million for paving; $37.5 million for multimodal transportation improvements (such as bike lanes); $129 for traffic safety and flow; $100 million for emerging community investment needs
- 50%, approximately $2.25 billion, to County Advancement Projects -- $624 million for road widening (there is a list of projects in the agenda); $30 million for railroad projects; $28 million for new road construction
- 20%, approximately $1.35 billion, to COMET Enhancement Projects -- expansion of services for Lower Richland and Blythewood, addition of bus lanes, increased frequency of some routes.
The public meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. Tuesday, July 9, in the Second Flood Council Chambers at the Richland County Administration Building, 2020 Hampton St., Columbia.
- If you plan to attend the meeting and would like to comment, you must sign up in Council Chambers before the meeting.
- If you cannot attend the in-person meeting, it will be streamed live on the County's YouTube and Facebook pages.
- If you cannot attend the meeting or do not want to speak publicly but still wish to comment, residents can submit written comments to the Clerk of Council's office by 5 p.m. Monday, July 8. Please include your name, physical address, and email with your comments, and email the Clerk of Council at rccoco@richlandcountysc.gov.
