Penny sales tax initiative passes second reading - wistv.com - Columbia, South Carolina |

Penny sales tax initiative passes second reading

Posted: Updated:
RICHLAND COUNTY, SC (WIS) -

Richland County Councilmembers voted 9-1 Tuesday night to approve a second reading of a proposed penny sales tax initiative.

The plan would raise the county sales tax by a penny and use the money for transportation-related projects and funding for the Central Midlands Regional Transportation Authority.

Several Richland County neighbors voiced their concerns about the bus system and its lack of ridership, as well as their solutions on how to fund and improve CMRTA.

"I think the buses are being used by other forces in the county that simply want to raise our taxes," said one citizen. "The last proposal was what? Thirty-three percent? This one is down to 25. We're still trying to solve a $14 million problem with a $50 million solution."

A third and final reading on the penny tax is scheduled for July 18.

Copyright 2012 WIS. All rights reserved.