Council Advances Plan to Let Voters Decide on Roads Funding

Anderson County Council has unanimously approved the second reading of a proposal to place a one-percent sales tax referendum on the November ballot, aiming to fund critical road and bridge repairs across the county.

 

The proposed tax is projected to generate approximately $379.6 million over eight years, with an estimated $38.5 million in the first year alone. These funds are earmarked exclusively for infrastructure projects, addressing the county's deteriorating roads and bridges.

 

Notably, essential items such as groceries and gasoline would be exempt from this tax, ensuring minimal impact on daily necessities.

 

The Capital Project Sales Tax Commission has meticulously crafted the referendum's language and project list, emphasizing transparency and accountability. If approved, the tax would be in effect for a maximum of eight years, after which voters would need to reauthorize it to continue funding.

 

To expedite the commencement of these projects, the commission recommends that the county council seek voter approval for a $20 million bond. This approach would allow work to begin sooner, rather than waiting for sales tax revenues to accumulate over time.

 

Addressing concerns circulating on social media, officials have clarified that the funds from this tax are legally restricted to road and bridge maintenance and repair, and cannot be diverted to other uses.

 

Council members have emphasized the importance of clarity and transparency, underscoring their commitment to allowing residents to make an informed decision on this critical issue.

 

The proposed projects have been prioritized, with Phase 1 projects receiving immediate attention. Multiple projects may proceed simultaneously, provided they do not delay higher-priority initiatives.

 

Any surplus funds remaining after the completion of all approved projects would be allocated exclusively to other transportation projects selected by the county council.

The exact wording of the proposed referendum, which requires a third and final reading by the county council, is as follows:

 

Form of Ballot

 

Question: Must a special one percent sales and use tax be imposed in Anderson County, South Carolina, for eight (8) years to raise the amounts specified for the following purposes:

 

$277,999,013.62 for 271 paving and road projects, including but not limited to:

 

- Plantation Road: all county-owned segments between E River St & Hwy 29 N

- Mt Airy Church Road: from Hwy 81 N to Three Bridges Rd (Easley, Powdersville)

- E Main St: from S Mechanic St to Lebanon Rd (Pendleton)

- First St: from S Academy St to town limits (Williamston)

- N Main/S Main St: from Calhoun Rd to Guthrie Rd (Belton)

- Dixon Road: from Whitehall Rd to Old Pearman Dairy Rd (Anderson County, Centerville)

- Keys Street: from Brookhaven Dr to Gleneddie Rd (Anderson City, Homeland Park)

- Shiloh Church Road: from Hwy 17 to Hwy 86 (Piedmont)

- Breazeale Road: from Hwy 29 to Midway Rd (Belton)

- Monitor Drive: from Dobbins Bridge Dr to Lewis St (Anderson County)

- West Mauldin Street: from Main Street to Bleckley Street (Anderson City)

 

$49,381,436.30 for 18 safety projects, including but not limited to:

 

- Oak Hill Road/Harriet Circle: to address lack of turn lanes (Anderson County)

- Vandiver Road Pedestrian Safety: to address pedestrian safety (Anderson County)

- Pine Top Road/James Cox Road/US 178 (Anderson Highway): to address offset intersection (Belton)

- Centerville Road/Keasler Road: to address lack of turn lanes and angle intersections (Anderson County, Centerville)

- Calhoun Street/Marchbanks Road/Rogers Road: to address skewed intersection with high volume (Anderson City)

- Concord Road/King Road/Reed Road: to address offset intersections and sight distance (Anderson City)

 

$52,241,707.34 for 17 bridge/culvert projects, including but not limited to:

 

- Scotts Bridge Road over Jones Creek (Anderson County)

- Mullikin Road over Little Garvin Creek (Central)

- Durham Road over Hurricane Creek (Piedmont)

- Parker Bowie Road over Little Generostee Creek (Iva)

 

Instructions to voters: All qualified electors of the County desiring to vote in favor of imposing the tax for the stated purposes as outlined above shall vote "YES," and all qualified electors opposed to levying the tax shall vote "NO."

 

The complete list of priority roads and bridges proposed for repair using the tax funds is available for public review.