Greenville County Capitol Projects Sales Tax
Councilman Blount’s Newsletter 8-3-24
As we approach the upcoming final vote on the Capitol Projects Sales Tax, it's crucial for Greenville County voters begin reflecting on past experiences and consider the long-term implications of this proposal. It will likely pass 8-4, which means it will then be up to voters to make the final decision in November when it’s placed on the election ballot.
Let’s be clear: This tax proposal isn’t just another line item on the ballot; it’s a significant financial commitment that could shape our county’s future for decades. The proposed tax promises substantial funds for capital projects, but a closer look reveals some serious concerns that demand scrutiny.
One major concern is the recurring issue of not getting our fair share of tax revenues. For years, Greenville County has been contributing a significant portion of the state gas tax, yet we've seen only a fraction of that money returned to our local roads. This ongoing disparity highlights a troubling pattern: funds intended for our infrastructure are often diverted or inadequately allocated, leaving our roads and transportation needs underfunded.
The history of similar initiatives raises red flags. In the past, we’ve seen how tax funds intended for broad improvements often become concentrated on specific projects, leaving other critical needs underfunded. The current proposal, while marketed as a comprehensive solution, appears to prioritize projects in a way that could sideline essential road services and infrastructure improvements that are equally deserving.
Consider the allocation of funds. The emphasis on high-profile projects can sometimes overshadow smaller, yet crucial, initiatives that directly impact our daily lives. For instance, while large-scale capital projects might attract attention, they often come at the expense of necessary investments in roads, public safety, and community services. The prioritization of these grand projects might leave our more immediate needs inadequately addressed.
Furthermore, we must question the timing and justification behind this tax proposal. With recent tax increases already burdening residents, it’s imperative to evaluate whether this additional tax is truly necessary or if it serves more as a financial stopgap for mismanaged funds elsewhere. The risk is that we end up with a tax that doesn’t deliver on its promises, similar to past initiatives where funds were misallocated or not utilized as intended.
Taking off my Councilman hat for a moment: Our responsibility as tax payers of Greenville County is to demand transparency and accountability. If the current proposal doesn’t provide clear, measurable benefits and fails to address our county's specific needs effectively, we should be prepared to vote no. This isn't about rejecting progress, but ensuring that any new tax genuinely serves the broader interests of Greenville County residents rather than concentrating benefits in specific areas.
In my opinion, voting against this tax might be the only way to ensure we get a more responsible and well-rounded proposal in the future—one that considers all aspects of our county's needs and avoids the pitfalls of past tax measures. Remember, the stakes are high, and the impact of this decision will resonate for years to come.
It’s time to demand better and vote with both our minds and hearts for what truly serves Greenville County’s best interests. That’s what I will continue to do on Council and what I hope we all do in a few short months at the ballot box! - BBD19
A constant and growing reminder until November about the Capitol Projects Sales Tax:
Over 30% of paving projects are CUL-DE-SACS.
Over 31% of the paving mileage are STATE ROADS.
Guarantee of reimbursement from the State = ZERO.
Resurfacing roads such as Salters Rd, that was built just over 2 YEARS AGO.
Handles road congestion by DECREASING lanes on Wade Hampton?
All items said to be on the ballot per Committee minutes = FALSE
Promise of having all projects provided at the polling locations = UNVERIFIED (and likely illegal)
It requires new County Budget line items to create a new department to handle the projects. The department CANNOT BE FUNDED WITH SALES TAX.
***That means they will have yet another reason for more future property tax increases. If not, how do they magically find the money, and if they can, why did they have to raise your taxes over the last two years?***
Sharing Councilman Blount’s Newsletter with everyone you can is one of the many ways you can fight the typical political/media medium used by the establishment.
Thank you for this info. We need this type of transparency from all our councilmen.