Voters approve Greenwood penny sales tax by large margin

Greenwood County’s proposed 8-year, $85 million investment in 27 capital improvement projects will move forward after voters on Tuesday widely approved a referendum authorizing a special penny sales tax to pay for the work.

According to unofficial results, the ballot question received 15,056 votes in favor and 7,965 against, with 39 out of 48 precincts reporting. The outcome means Piedmont Technical College can create its Upstate Center for Manufacturing Excellence; sheriff’s deputies will be provided with upgraded radio systems; U.S. Highway 246 will be widened to accommodate major new business development and the city will see the creation of an industrial park on its north side.

It’s the second time since 2007 county leaders asked voters to assess a special sales tax to boost the region’s economy and financial health. Projects that came out of that referendum included a new $10 million library in Greenwood and retiring $10.5 million in debt.

This year’s ballot question was accompanied by an aggressive marketing campaign led by the Greenwood Area Chamber of Commerce, whose “Yes for Greenwood County” push included billboards, the creation of a Facebook page, community forums and a public information blitz.

Contact staff writer Adam Benson at 864-943-5650 or on Twitter @ABensonIJ.

Originally Published by Index-Journal on: Nov 9, 2016

 By ADAM BENSONabenson@indexjournal.com

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