York County Plans Fifth Pennies for Progress Initiative
Residents of York County can expect to see improvements to their infrastructure, thanks to the fifth Pennies for Progress initiative, which is currently being planned. This referendum, a 1% sales tax program, allows the county to tax all goods and services and use the proceeds to fund capital improvement projects throughout York County.
Focused on transportation projects
The Pennies for Progress initiative has been operational for years in York County, always tilting towards transportation projects. According to Patrick Hamilton, the assistant County Engineer, capital improvement projects the funds can be used for include roads, buildings, parks, and water and sewer works.
“1% of sales tax comes back to the county for capital improvement projects throughout the county. It can be used for roads, buildings, parks, water, sewage. However, York County has always prioritised transportation projects right,” shared Hamilton.
New approach for Pennies 5 referendum
Over the past year, the Pennies for Progress commission has been compiling a list of projects for what’s known as Pennies 5, the name of the current referendum. However, the approach used in previous years has needed to change due to rising costs.
“Due to the drastic cost increases we’ve seen in the last couple of years, there’s not enough funding for current projects to be completed,” said Hamilton. “This means that a large percentage of the Pennies five program will be used to complete existing projects.” This includes U.S. 21, which has been divided into three sections for completion.
Improvements across the county
Hamilton further explained that the entire stretch of Route 21, from when you cross into Fort Mill at Sutton Road all the way up to Carowinds Boulevard, is part of the Pennies Five projects. Pennies Five will not only seek to complete old, pending projects but will also encompass more resurfacing projects and intersection works across the county.
Final steps for Pennies 5
Looking ahead, the county plans to hold three separate meetings this summer to approve the Pennies Five initiative. Once those approvals are in place, the initiative will be put forth on the ballot in November, giving county residents the opportunity to vote on it.
The agenda and mantra for the Pennies For Progress Initiative are sure to bring much-needed infrastructural development to York County, demonstrating the county’s dedication to its citizens. With projects spanning from road works to park improvements, it’s clear that every penny does indeed count.
