ElectionThursday, November 5
Greenville County voters rejected a penny sales tax, but four cities approved theirs
The 5AM Greer team
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.
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% |
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
Sources: Greenville Journal, The Greenville News, WSPA 7News