Renewal of 1-cent sales tax questioned 2/9/2010 10:07 PM
By HALEY HUGHES Staff writer
A committee formed to review 1-cent sales tax projects is unsure whether voters should be asked to renew the tax program in November.
The committee, made up of several County Council members, wondered Tuesday if now was the right time to push for the renewal, especially since local residents have a lot to think about these days - including a possible bond referendum from the Aiken County Public School District and the 2010 Census.
"It helps us that this round of 1-cent sales tax is not new. It is not another penny on top of this one," said County Administrator Clay Killian. "Plus, 35 percent of the people contributing to this don't live here."
Capital Sales Tax was first approved by voters in 2000. It was later renewed in 2004 and has grown to be the primary source for funding certain projects like road pavings, equipment purchases and facility repairs and upgrades.
If approved, this will be the third round for Aiken County. The current round ends in 2012. The committee may only make a recommendation to Council for consideration.
Should Council decide to hold off a year, it has the flexibility to put renewal of the tax program on the ballot in 2011.
Killian said a projected $100,000 million will be available if the tax is renewed by voters.
Departments have submitted a "wish list" of projects for review. Staff asked that department heads think about anything and everything they want to see done.
For its consideration, the committee received a packet of memos submitted from departments such as Planning and Development and Public Works. Some projects include a cost estimate, and some don't though estimates are forthcoming.
Requests included six ambulances at $125,000 a piece, 130 miles of dirt road paving for $60 million and an addition at the Aiken County detention center for $25 million.
"A lot of this is just dreams," Councilwoman Kathy Rawls said. "But, I think we need to concentrate on equipment - ambulances, police cars and road graders."
Still, Council must first decide if it will put the issue before voters in November. Councilman Gary Bunker said a lot of factors go into the decision-making progress, adding that he does not know which way Council will lean.
The committee agreed to meet again in two weeks to begin whittling down the list of requested projects.
"We have a gallon worth of requests and a quart worth of funding," Councilman Gary Bunker said.
Breakout
The Capital Sales Tax program is funded by one cent from every dollar on certain purchases made within Aiken County. It was first passed by voters in 2000; it was later renewed in 2004 and has grown to be the primary source for funding capital projects like road paving, equipment purchases and the repair and upgrade of facilities. Aiken County voters may decide whether to renew the 1-cent tax during the general election in November. If approved, this will be the third round of Capital Sales Tax dollars for Aiken County.
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