North Augusta Leaders Rally for Penny Sales Tax Renewal
This past Thursday, North Augusta buzzed with excitement as local leaders gathered for the annual “State of our Community” session hosted by the North Augusta Chamber of Commerce. The event, which took place on September 12, featured a panel of prominent figures advocating for the renewal of Aiken County’s **Capital Projects Sales Tax** and the Aiken County Public School District’s own sales tax.
Big Benefits from a Little Penny
As attendees packed the room, North Augusta Mayor Briton Williams, Aiken County Council Chairman Gary Bunker, and new superintendent of the Aiken County Public School District Dr. Corey Murphy shared the spotlight. The message was clear: this little penny—just 1 cent—has made a big difference in our community.
In a push to rally voters ahead of the upcoming November ballot, these leaders took turns highlighting how the **penny sales tax** has funded essential projects over the years. “It’s remarkable to see how far we’ve come thanks to this small tax,” said Mayor Williams, as he recounted the successes from the previous four iterations of the tax.
A Look Back at Past Successes
Since its inception in 2000, the capital projects sales tax has generated nearly **$37 million** for North Augusta alone since 2018. That funding has gone a long way, paving the way for crucial infrastructures, such as the **new Public Safety headquarters** and the recently completed **Greeneway connector**. With the projected collections amounting to a staggering **$48.9 million** if renewed, Williams detailed upcoming plans, including park improvements and infrastructure investments.
Bunker chimed in, emphasizing the importance of the sales tax in keeping property tax rates stable. “This tax helps us maintain our millage rates for a decade, and much of this revenue comes from people who don’t even live in the county,” he explained. It’s a win-win for both residents and those visiting North Augusta.
Education Needs in Focus
While the county’s needs are vital, the focus isn’t solely on county projects. Dr. Murphy spoke passionately about the Aiken County Public School District’s push for **a renewal of its penny sales tax**. Current projections suggest that it could generate **$398 million** over the next decade. Dr. Murphy highlighted the urgency of the district’s request as it faces pressing needs for refurbishing schools, including much-needed renovations at **North Augusta Middle School**, and the construction of a new elementary school to accommodate growing student populations.
Between 2010 and 2020, Aiken County saw a population surge of nearly **5.5%**, and more recent estimates show additional growth of **4.9%**. North Augusta has experienced an even more drastic increase, with reports indicating that the city’s population grew more than **14%** in that same timeframe. Such rapid growth emphasizes the need for educational infrastructure, as construction costs continue to rise.
The Cost of Progress
When discussing costs, Dr. Murphy presented a comparative snapshot of expenses. Just a decade ago, the construction of North Augusta High School ran about **$72 million**. In today’s climate, that figure has nearly doubled. That’s a reality that makes securing this funding ever more critical, as schools try to keep pace with increased enrollment and modernizations.
In addition to routine updates, the district now faces a staggering **$230 million** in deferred maintenance costs. “You can only delay these needs for so long,” Murphy pointed out. Addressing the financial challenges ahead will rely heavily on the community’s support when they head to the polls.
Community Engagement Opportunities
For those interested in learning more about the upcoming sales tax renewals, the Aiken County Public School District will hold an informational meeting at **6 p.m. on October 15** at North Augusta Middle School. It’s a great chance to get your questions answered and understand how critical this funding will be for both the county and school district.
As residents prepare for the November ballot, the message remains: a single penny can lead to positive changes that benefit us all. With local leaders urging participation, it’s clear that the future of North Augusta rests in the hands of its voters.
