RICHLAND COUNTY, S.C. — Tuesday night Richland County council approved putting a continued penny tax in the hands of voters come November.
The current penny tax ends in late 2026.
This now gives voters the option to accept or deny a new transportation tax for the next 25 years.
With only one minor change correcting language to the principles of this possible tax, it passed third reading.
"It is a little different this go around compared to the 2012 penny where county council has approved a resolution that looks at projects, principles and priorities and looks at putting an emphasis on the projects that communities really need," said Jessica Mackey, chairwoman of the Richland County council.
Mackey said because of inflation, costs for labor and construction, their 2012 penny tax didn't gather enough money to finish intended projects. So this new penny tax would prioritize those projects first, and the wealth would be shared.
"The new transportation penny will commit to expanding at a minimum of $20 million in each district throughout Richland County, so that ensures that all of our county will receive transportation improvements," Mackey said.
Mackey said the new penny tax would last 25 years or gather $4.5 billion, whichever comes first.
After 20+ meetings and work sessions about this tax, and hearing from residents, council members said transparency will be more of a priority this go round with yearly updates, website postings, newsletters and social media posts.
Richland County residents we spoke with have differing opinions on how they'll vote.
"Extending it, I mean I think honestly it would be better not to, simply for the fact that you could save money," Charvezs Denny, Richland County resident said.
"We're just behind in so many things, that if everybody could give a penny, maybe we could advance up in our educational rankings, so I am all for it," Jerry Stevenson, Richland County resident said.