Richland County considering penny referendum

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Richland County to Hold Public Hearing on Proposed Penny Sales Tax for Transportation

Richland County, SC — Richland County Council is set to host a public hearing on July 9 to deliberate on a proposed Transportation Sales Tax referendum. If approved, the referendum would implement a 1% transportation sales and use tax aimed at funding crucial infrastructure projects across the county.

The hearing will take place in Council Chambers at the County Administration Building, located at 2020 Hampton Street, Columbia. Interested parties can participate in the public hearing either in person or virtually.

How to Participate:

  • In-Person Participation: Residents wishing to comment in person can sign up just before the meeting in the Council Chambers.
  • Virtual Participation: To comment virtually, residents must email the Clerk of Council at rccoco@richlandcountysc.gov by 5 pm on Wednesday, July 3.
  • Written Comments: Written comments can be submitted to the Clerk of Council’s office via email no later than 5 pm on July 8.

Purpose of the Penny Tax:

The proposed 1% transportation sales tax is intended to generate additional revenue to address various transportation needs within the county. These funds would be allocated to projects such as road maintenance and improvements, public transit enhancements, pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure, and other critical transportation initiatives.

Richland County officials emphasize the importance of community input in shaping the direction and priorities of the proposed transportation projects.

“It is important for residents to understand that the vote is not yet final, and we want to hear from our constituents about transportation needs in their respective communities,” said Richland County Council Chairwoman Jesica Mackey, District 9. “We understand the frustrations of the first Penny, and my colleagues and I are committed to full transparency in this process. We have and will continue to be diligent in our efforts.”

Background:

Richland County has previously implemented a similar sales tax, which has funded various transportation projects across the county. The new proposed tax aims to continue and expand upon these efforts to improve mobility and support economic growth.

Residents are encouraged to attend the public hearing or submit their comments to ensure their voices are heard regarding this critical issue.

For further details about the public hearing and the proposed Transportation Sales Tax, contact the Richland County Clerk of Council’s office at rccoco@richlandcountysc.gov or visit the county’s official website.

Location:
Richland County Administration Building,
2020 Hampton Street,
Columbia, SC

Date:
July 9

Time:
Meeting starts at 6 pm

Email for Comments:
rccoco@richlandcountysc.gov

Submission Deadline for Written Comments:
5 pm, July 8

Residents’ participation is vital to the decision-making process and will help shape the future of transportation in Richland County.

Contact Information:

Residents are encouraged to review the proposed transportation projects and the benefits of the penny tax on the Richland County website to be well-informed before the public hearing.

This public hearing provides an important platform for residents to voice their opinions and contribute to the county’s decision-making process. By attending or submitting comments, residents can play an active role in determining the future of transportation infrastructure in Richland County.

Tags: #RichlandCounty #PublicHearing #PennyTax #TransportationTax #Infrastructure #CommunityInput #LocalGovernment

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