Greenville County Council gave its final approval to place a penny tax referendum on general election ballots this November.
The approval came at a regular Council meeting on Tuesday evening. Pending voter approval this fall, the referendum would establish a 1% sales tax to fund transportation infrastructure projects throughout the County.
The County’s decision also affects municipalities considering their own transportation sales tax referendums.
In May, the South Carolina Municipal Tax Relief Act was signed into law, allowing municipalities to seek voter approval for a 1% sales and use tax, provided their county does not already have one in place. Because Greenville County has now voted to add its own referendum on the November ballot, cities in the county have until mid-August to decide whether to pursue a municipal referendum this year.
In Greer, Mayor Rick Danner said the City is not expected to consider a penny tax ordinance before that deadline.
“Given the uncertainties of the new municipal penny sales tax legislation as it pertains to a municipality located in two counties, I don’t think it is prudent for Greer to move forward at this point,” Danner said.
Current Greenville County municipalities looking to pursue their own penny tax referendums this November include Simpsonville, Mauldin, Traveler’s Rest and Greenville. For more information on the proposed Greenville County penny tax, visit the County Council’s website.
