Memorial Day Weekend in Greenville County

Chairman Blount’s Newsletter 5-25-25

Memorial Day: A Time to Rest, Remember, Reflect — and Reunite

As Memorial Day approaches, it’s easy to see it as the start of summer. An exciting time for cookouts, lake days, and family traditions. And while there’s nothing wrong with enjoying the freedom we’re blessed to have, we must never lose sight of why we have it.

Freedom isn’t free.

It never has been.

It was paid for by men and women who wore our nation’s uniform and gave their lives for something bigger than themselves. Each flag we see waving is more than fabric. They are symbols of sacrifice, of courage, and of the sacred duty we all share: to live lives worthy of their gift.

Here in Greenville County, our progress, prosperity, and peace were made possible because of their legacy. The neighborhoods we live in… the schools we send our children to… the ability to speak freely, worship freely, and gather without fear — all of it exists because others laid down their tomorrows so we could have ours.

But if we truly want to honor them, we must not only remember their sacrifice, we must carry forward their spirit.

That means doing more than just pausing in silence. It means finding things to unite around. Our shared values, common goals, and a future worth building together. In a time when division is easy and outrage is everywhere, we need each other more than ever. Memorial Day reminds us that this country wasn’t built by people who always agreed. It was built by people who, despite their differences, came together when it mattered most.

I wrote a song called “United We Stand”, and the chorus captures exactly what I feel we need to remember on holidays like this:

“Only love can heal a nation,

Only truth can make us strong,

Standing up for things that we believe,

Is the reason we were born,

Only God can bring salvation,

To this worn and weary land,

So divided we will fall,

But united we will stand.”

This isn’t just a lyric to me — it’s a roadmap. If we want to preserve the freedom we’ve inherited, we must stand shoulder to shoulder. Not just as neighbors. Not just as citizens. But as one people, committed to truth, grounded in love, and guided by the principles that have sustained us since the beginning.

So this Memorial Day, let us rest, let us remember, let us reflect. At the same time, let us reunite around the values that make America, and more specifically, Greenville County worth fighting for.

You can listen to the song here:

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District 19 Business Spotlight: Saluda Lake Landing

Just a short drive from downtown Greenville, Saluda Lake Landing has reemerged as a vibrant hub of recreation and community spirit, marking a significant milestone in the revitalization of District 19. After years of dormancy, this cherished lakeside retreat reopened its doors in April 2025, thanks to the dedication of new owners Dawn and Tobias, who transformed the once-neglected property into a lively destination for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

A Lakeside Revival

Nestled along the serene shores of Saluda Lake, Saluda Lake Landing offers a multiple activities that cater to all ages. Visitors can enjoy kayaking, paddleboarding, canoeing, and tubing, with rentals available at affordable rates. The venue also boasts a spacious outdoor deck, perfect for savoring meals from the on-site café, which serves a variety of dishes including burgers, nachos, and tacos. Live music, karaoke nights, and family-friendly events further enhance the vibrant atmosphere, making it a go-to spot for both relaxation and entertainment.

A Testament to Community Resilience

The resurgence of Saluda Lake Landing is more than just a business success story; it symbolizes the resilience and entrepreneurial spirit of our community. By breathing new life into a beloved local landmark, Dawn and Tobias have not only preserved a piece of our district’s heritage but also created a space that fosters connection, wellness, and economic growth. Their efforts exemplify the positive impact that small businesses can have on community revitalization.

Experience the Transformation

Saluda Lake Landing is open to the public, offering a welcoming environment for all. Whether you’re seeking a day of adventure on the water, a leisurely meal with a view, or a lively evening of music and camaraderie, this revitalized gem in District 19 awaits your visit. For more information on activities, rentals, and upcoming events, visit their official website.

www.saludalakelanding.com

Let’s celebrate this remarkable addition to our district and continue to support the local businesses that make our community thrive.

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Greenville County Library Budget: Why I Voted To Approve VS Amend

At the last few County Council meetings, there was spirited debate over the Greenville County Library System’s proposed budget. Some were disappointed that Council did not adopt an alternate version presented in the form of an amendment. I want to take a moment to explain my position, not as a political calculation, but as a matter of principle and precedent.

The Library Board, an independent governing body appointed to oversee the Greenville County Library System, presented its budget to Council as required by law. They did the hard work—reviewing costs, evaluating programs, and balancing priorities that reflect the library’s operational needs and long-term goals. Unless there are grave inconsistencies, it is not our role to override that work arbitrarily.

One of my colleagues introduced an amendment that would have altered the proposed library budget. While I respect the intent, I believe that choosing to substitute our own judgment for that of a governing board sets a dangerous precedent. If we start rewriting the budgets of boards we’ve empowered to do that very work, we undermine the trust and stability of our county’s governance structure.

Think about it: if Council decides to step in and change a budget that has been thoroughly prepared and vetted by the entity legally responsible for it, where does it stop? This opens the door for political interference in future budget processes, for the library and for any other board or commission under the County’s umbrella. That’s not good policy. It’s micromanagement.

Supporting the library’s proposed budget wasn’t about endorsing every single line item. It was about respecting the process, protecting the autonomy of the Library Board, and maintaining a system of government that operates with accountability and clear boundaries.

We should always hold our boards to high standards, and I will continue to advocate for transparency, efficiency, and fairness across every agency and department. But we must also lead with consistency, honoring the work of those we entrust with public responsibilities.

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Chairman’s Corner: Order, Decorum, And Why I Chose To Take On This Responsibility

At our most recent County Council meeting, many of you witnessed what began as a procedural action spiral into an unfortunate and unnecessary confrontation. I want to take a moment to explain what happened—not to dwell on conflict, but to bring clarity and reaffirm the values I believe this Council should uphold.

At the beginning of the meeting, as Chairman, I recognized a fellow Councilmember who wished to speak prior to the public hearing portion of the agenda. Not only that, but I offered this to any Council members who wished to speak during this time as well, so I was not playing favorites. This is a well-supported authority granted to the Chair under Mason’s Manual of Legislative Procedure, which governs our council’s conduct. Specifically:

Section 206, Mason’s Manual: “The presiding officer has the authority to recognize members at appropriate times to maintain order and facilitate the business of the body.”

But rather than allow the conversation to move forward constructively, a senior colleague, who has served much longer than I have and has even held the position of Chairman in the past, chose to publicly challenge my authority to allow another member to speak. Ironically, this same member has, on multiple occasions during their own tenure as Chairman, exercised this same authority to manage meetings as they saw fit.

What’s most disappointing is this: He knows the rules better than most, and that what he was asserting wasn’t a legitimate challenge. And yet, he chose to escalate, ignoring our legal counsel’s clear and public explanation that I, as Chair, was well within my rights to recognize a speaker at that time. In an attempt to try and keep the temperature down, instead of defending what I knew was correct, I asked my colleague who was being prevented to speak, if he would be ok with waiting until the end. Not to admit defeat or an incorrect stance, rather to respect the time of a packed council room that included dozens in the overflow area of the lobby.

Unfortunately, what began as a misdirected challenge turned into a heated exchange between Council members, and I had no choice but to use the gavel to restore order to the chamber. That’s not something I take lightly. It’s disruptive, it’s embarrassing, and it sends the wrong message to the public we serve.

Frankly, this is exactly why I stepped up to lead Council in the first place. This kind of behavior has gone unchecked for far too long, and I know citizens are tired of it. They want leadership, not grandstanding. They want decorum, not dysfunction.

At one point, I even had to use the gavel due to repeated outbursts from some of the citizens in the crowd. Not because I agreed or disagreed, rather that it was disrupting to the meeting. Thankfully, since the meeting, one of the citizens and I have spoken and have mutual respect for one another concerning what took place, and I am grateful for that conversation and understanding.

I will always strive to lead with fairness. And while the Chair does hold the authority to move business forward, I firmly believe that power should be a last resort, not a first move. Every member of Council and the public deserves the opportunity to speak, be heard, and contribute to the County’s business. But that has to happen with mutual respect and a shared commitment to the rules we’ve all agreed to follow.

We owe it to the people of Greenville County to do better, and I intend to continue making sure we do.

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Building Greenville’s Future: What the Impact Fee Study Means and Why It Matters

Greenville County is growing—and fast. With that growth comes opportunity, but also a tough reality: our roads, parks, and public services are under serious pressure. If we don’t plan wisely, the cost of keeping up will fall squarely on the backs of property taxpayers.

That’s why, under the banner of Greenville Forward: Infrastructure for Tomorrow, we passed a resolution to initiate a full-scale Impact Fee Study. This marks a crucial first step toward ensuring that new development starts paying its fair share for the infrastructure it demands.

What Is an Impact Fee Study?

Under the South Carolina Development Impact Fee Act (SC Code § 6-1-910, et seq.), counties are allowed to charge new developments a one-time fee to help pay for things like:

• Roads and transportation upgrades

• Parks and recreation areas

• Open spaces and public facilities

But it’s not as simple as flipping a switch.

The law requires a detailed, data-driven study before anything can be implemented. That’s why we’ve officially tasked the County Planning Commission with launching this process. Here’s what it involves:

• Infrastructure Needs Assessment: Identify current and future needs in transportation, parks, and open space.

• Capital Improvement Plan (CIP): Lay out a list of eligible projects, with timelines and projected costs.

• Legal and Financial Review: Make sure proposed fees are fair, legally defensible, and tied to the actual impact of new growth.

• Public Input Sessions: A minimum of three community meetings and surveys will gather input from residents, developers, and business owners.

• Quarterly Progress Reports: The Planning Commission will keep Council and the public informed every step of the way.

• Expert Assistance: We will engage outside consultants with specialized expertise in infrastructure and fee models.

All of this must be completed within 180 days—a rapid pace given the complexity of the work.

Why It’s Difficult—but Worth It

Yes, this is a long and sometimes frustrating process. State law makes it intentionally rigorous to avoid arbitrary or excessive fees. But here’s the truth: it’s better to do the work now than let these costs sneak up on us later.

Without impact fees, infrastructure costs are usually absorbed by the general public, through property taxes or bond referendums. That’s a broken model. It means existing residents foot the bill for development they didn’t ask for.

This study lays the foundation to flip that script. It’s about fairness, long-term thinking, and making growth pay for itself.

Why It Matters Now

Greenville County is at a tipping point. Our existing roads, parks, and services were not designed to support the explosive growth we’re now seeing. Delaying action will only make the cost steeper later, when we’re forced to play catch-up.

By initiating this study, we’re not just responding to today’s pressures. We’re preparing for tomorrow. This resolution is a major step toward responsible, sustainable growth that doesn’t shift the burden onto those who already live here.

I will keep you updated through the newsletter as we progress, and always welcome your comments about this initiative and others.

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Greenville Speaks Loud and Clear: Protect Our Land, Preserve Our Future

In a county grappling with runaway development, congested roads, and disappearing natural spaces, the results of a new public opinion poll should stop every leader in their tracks.

The Community Foundation of Greenville and the Greenville County Historic and Natural Resources Trust commissioned the Trafalgar Group to ask a simple but powerful question: What do Greenville County residents really want when it comes to land use and tax dollars?

The answer was overwhelming:

• 91% of respondents are concerned—deeply—about the loss of open space.

• Nearly 8 in 10 support using tax dollars to protect green spaces, parks, working farms, and historic sites.

• A majority supported impact fees on new development and a dedicated sales tax that would fund both road improvements and land protection.

Opinion: While the above varies from the recent defeat of the Capitol Projects Sales Tax, I believe there were many external factors that came into play other than the tax proposal itself. One of the main setbacks of the prior initiative and discussion was transparency in the process and true partnership with the community on how and what would be funded with the sales tax. There was also no discussion about how if done properly, it would be a tool to reduce the redundant and repetitive property tax model that often fuels government bloat rather than addressing infrastructure needs as they present themselves. I will further address this in the next section of the newsletter.

Here is what’s critical to understand about protecting land:

This isn’t just about saving trees or creating more trails, though those are important for quality of life. This is also about using land conservation as a legal tool to assist in shaping Greenville’s future growth and development.

By protecting open land through the Trust, we’re doing more than preserving nature, we’re placing boundaries on unchecked sprawl.

Just like impact fees help ensure developers pay their fair share for roads and public services, land conservation through tools like conservation easements empowers the county to guide growth in a way that reflects the voice of its people, not just the ambitions of developers, some of whom don’t live in, vote in, or love Greenville like our generational families do.

In short: this is about control—local control

Greenville County Council is working to rebalance the scale, but I want to clarify that this is not an attack on our development community. They have been vital in providing many of the things we love about Greenville County. But for far too long, developers have had an outsized voice in how this county grows. This initiative, paired with infrastructure impact fees, is part of a deliberate strategy to restore power to the people who actually live here. People who understand that our natural assets aren’t obstacles to development, they’re the foundation of our quality of life.

We’re at a crossroads. Either we guide growth with vision, or we let growth guide us off a cliff.

The people have spoken.

County Council is finally listening!

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A New Era of Accountability: The Movement Behind the Momentum

What Greenville County constituents are beginning to see is not a flash-in-the-pan campaign. It’s the beginning of a carefully planned, strategically executed movement to reshape how local government operates, how it funds its priorities, and how it honors the voices of the people it serves. Many of these initiatives began forming over a cup of coffee, prior to some of us ever being elected.

For the past several years, this initiative to protect land, responsibly guide development, and rethink how we fund government, has been building quietly behind the scenes. Why quietly? Because frankly, political gamesmanship and grandstanding have already tried to derail it at every turn.

There are those more concerned with posturing for headlines than actually delivering meaningful outcomes. But while others have been playing political chess with the public’s trust, some of us have been laying the groundwork for something far bigger:

A reset in how we govern!

It’s a movement to restore accountability, transparency, and a new fiscal vision that prioritizes working families, not special interests.

And we’re just getting started.

In the months to come, I’ll be continuing this conversation more publicly. I’ve been working alongside like-minded colleagues, not only on County Council, but in the State Legislature, as well as municipality leaders, to develop a comprehensive plan to shift away from the outdated, burdensome property tax model that hits everyday citizens hardest, and replace it with something smarter, fairer, and more sustainable.

One thing is for sure. This is not about raising taxes. In fact, it’s the opposite.

For example, the upcoming County budget will include:

• A bold increase in infrastructure and road funding, long overdue.

• The first of what this new Council intends to be more future property tax reductions.

• A deliberate effort to invest in core needs without shaking down homeowners to do it.

What’s coming is a shift toward a new revenue model. A hybrid system that taps into modern tools and market-based mechanisms. One that generates revenue, not by reaching deeper into your pockets, but by asking more of those who are profiting off of our success as a growing County.

For the County, this includes:

• Impact fees for new development.

• Targeted user-based fees for non-residents.

• Revenue-generating tools that fluctuate with the economy, not static tax bills that punish families regardless of circumstance.

We’re not doing this alone. We have state representatives, both in the House and Senate, who have been working in tandem with County officials to press for new legislation and local reforms that will unlock a smarter, more flexible approach to funding. One that reflects the values of our citizens and the rhythm of a 21st-century economy.

This won’t happen overnight. The forces defending the old system are entrenched. But what they didn’t count on was a growing coalition of non-establishment voices who aren’t afraid to challenge the old assumptions and break the cycle of “tax first, explain later.”

We’re done with that model.

We’re building a future where:

• Citizens get their voices back.

• Taxes serve the people, not the other way around.

• And your hard-earned money stays where it belongs. In your home, in your wallet, and in your community.

And to the critics who’ve been running around saying, “The Chairman doesn’t have a plan”

I’ll let you in on a little secret….

It’s not that I don’t have a plan. It’s just that I couldn’t hand it to you early, or you would have intentionally set it on fire like you do everything else that threatens you.

But with easy to understand information, honest and transparent dialogue, public support before presenting initiatives, and a united front of like minded elected officials in every level of government, we will ensure that these plans will be fireproof!

In other words, we have political fire hoses, in place and on standby, with more water in their tanks than the Greenville Watershed!

Stay tuned!

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I want to encourage anyone making it this far to leave a comment and let me know your thoughts on any of these topics. Not just for me to read, but you are the true stake holders and directional leaders of Greenville County. Your voices matter much more than mine alone, so I want us all to see how we are feeling about County concerns and initiatives. It’s an excellent way to catalog consensus, or even split views on the issues that matter most to our County. It also helps me tremendously when I am working through these tough decisions to have your voices on full display, both for working through the voting process, to ensuring that the people that put me in this amazing position can hold me accountable in real time!

Here’s to a blessed, prosperous, and freedom celebrating Memorial Day Holiday to you and your families in Greenville County!