ElectionTop story
Greenville County voters rejected a penny sales tax, but four cities approved theirs
The county tax failed while city taxes passed in Greenville, Mauldin and Simpsonville
Results as reported Nov. 4; county certification is set for Nov. 6
Greenville County penny sales tax (Question 1)
Needs a majority: the line at 50%
City of Greenville
Needs a majority: the line at 50%
City of Mauldin
Needs a majority: the line at 50%
City of Simpsonville
Needs a majority: the line at 50%
Source: Greenville Journal
View as table
| Race | Candidate | Votes | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| Greenville County penny sales tax (Question 1) | Yes | 101,947 | 48.5% |
| Greenville County penny sales tax (Question 1) | No, won | 108,280 | 51.5% |
| City of Greenville | Yes, won | 19,070 | 66.6% |
| City of Greenville | No | 9,549 | 33.4% |
| City of Mauldin | Yes, won | 6,397 | 54.2% |
| City of Mauldin | No | 5,410 | 45.8% |
| City of Simpsonville | Yes, won | 5,189 | 50.7% |
| City of Simpsonville | No | 5,042 | 49.3% |
If you shop in Greenville County, the countywide penny sales tax is off the table. Voters rejected it, with 51.51% opposed. It was expected to raise $1.1 billion over eight years for roads, land preservation and public transportation.
Four cities went their own way. Greenville, Mauldin, Simpsonville and Travelers Rest approved 1% taxes that start May 1, 2027, and run eight years. Most groceries, gas and prescriptions are exempt, and 20% of the revenue becomes a credit on property tax bills for owner-occupied homes.
Simpsonville's tax passed 5,189 to 5,042. Mayor Pro Tem Aaron Rupe said he was "pleasantly surprised," and that about 60% of the revenue, more than $30 million or so, will come from people outside the city.
Greenville's penny tax is expected to raise the most over eight years
Source: Greenville Journal
View as table
| Value | |
|---|---|
| Greenville | $511.6 million |
| Simpsonville | $55.5 million |
| Mauldin | $24.5 million |
| Travelers Rest | $19.8 million |
- Certification: Greenville County Elections Board, Nov. 6 at 11 a.m.
- Greenville City Council: Nov. 9, resolution on the agenda
- Mauldin City Council: Nov. 16, to consider a resolution
