Spartanburg’s Milestone: First Major Penny Projects Completed without Debt or Increase in Property Tax
Thursday was a day of celebration for the folks in Spartanburg County. They’ve just completed the first wave of their major penny projects, bringing much-needed improvements to both Highway 290 and N Daniel Morgan Avenue. And, in what might sound like a fairy tale for some, they’ve managed to do this without a hike in the property tax rate or racking up any debt, according to a top official for the county.
Allen Smith, President of OneSpartanburg, Inc., elaborated on the achievement, โBoth projects were completed with no increase in property tax rate and without the burden of any debt. They’re partially funded by visitors – after all, they use our roads, and it seems fair that they contribute to their repair too. And, so far, our estimates have been pretty spot on.โ
Smith continued, โWe expect the penny (sales tax) to generate about $478 million, with up to $186 million coming in from visitorsโ contribution.โ
Looking Ahead: Upcoming Projects
But Spartanburg isn’t resting on its laurels just yet. On Thursday, the county also announced upcoming projects under its penny initiative. While the specifics of these ventures were not revealed, thereโs enough excitement around town about the potential improvements that they promise.
Smith extolled the county’s reliability by stating, โThe county has made penny promises, and has kept penny promises. There are many more projects on the way that demonstrate our commitment.โ
A Better Scorecard for Spartanburg Roads
Spartanburg’s got its eye not only on the future, but also on progress already made. A recent study indicated that the quality of the roads around town saw a significant improvement this year. To illustrate: not so long ago, Spartanburg County roads had received a score of fifty-seven. But thanks to the penny sales tax, these numbers are changing for the better.
Manning Lynch, Chairman for Spartanburg County Council, detailed these improvements, โAn updated study this year shows an increased number of roads that now fall into very good, good, and fair categories. At the same time, the percentage of roads classified as poor or very poor has decreased. In essence, we’re meeting our goal of improving our county’s roads.โ
Progress Above Convenience
While any form of construction can be frustrating for locals, Smith emphasized that the safety and well-being of Spartanburg County residents trump temporary inconveniences. โWe don’t want to apologize for progress. Sometimes local government doesn’t get the best reputation for moving quickly, but here in Spartanburg, we’re making strides at speed.โ
Locals curious about the progress on these projects can find updates online. Although there may be dust clouds and detours for now, the results promise a smoother and safer ride for all who traverse Spartanburg’s improved roadways.
Disclaimer: The details cited in this article are subject to change, and we encourage readers to refer to official sources for the most accurate information.
