Greenville County Council Approves Transportation Tax Ballot Measure

The Greenville County Council approved an 8-3 vote on July 21 to place a transportation penny tax on the November ballot. The proposed 1% sales and use tax on eligible retail items would be capped at eight years and a total collection of $1.1 billion. If approved, the tax would take effect May 1, 2027.

Funding would be allocated with 90% (or 89% per some sources) dedicated to roads and bridges, 7% for greenbelts and green space preservation, and 3% for public transportation. The council rejected amendments to increase public transit funding to 5% or 7%. To address voter concerns, the council approved exemptions for fuel, prescription medications, prosthetic devices, and unprepared food purchased with USDA coupons.

During the debate, Council member Curt McGahhey argued that the tax is the only viable way to fund infrastructure improvements, stating that the budget lacks the necessary millions to get ahead on roads. Opponents, including Steve Shaw, expressed concern that voters are being asked to support a tax without a concrete list of which roads will be fixed. Liz Semen similarly advocated for the public release of a targeted project list to follow the example of municipal partners.