Lexington County Residents Respond to Proposed Vehicle Fee
LEXINGTON COUNTY, S.C. — Residents may soon find themselves digging a little deeper into their pockets if a new proposal gets the green light. During a recent public hearing held on Tuesday night, local leaders discussed a potential annual $30 service charge on registered vehicles in Lexington County. If approved, this fee would take effect in January 2025 and aims to fund roads and associated storm-water maintenance, improvements, and construction.
A Range of Opinions
The council meeting, which took place at the Lexington County Administration Building, was packed with concerned citizens, and the sentiment was palpable. A significant number spoke out against the fee. “This fee may seem small on paper, but its impact will be large and unfair, especially for the most vulnerable members of our community,” said Brent Munnerlyn, a local resident. It’s no secret that finances are tight for many, and the prospect of an additional charge only adds fuel to the fire.
Residents voiced concerns over rising inflation and a lack of transparency regarding how existing funds are being utilized. “We live in Lexington County. It is a rural county. How many people around here are farmers? Whether it’s crops or chickens,” Anthony Rogers articulated during the meeting. His words resonated with many who feel burdened by existing economic pressures.
Alternative Solutions
Some attendees proposed alternative solutions to address the county’s financial needs without imposing a flat fee. For example, Liesha Huffstetler suggested a sliding scale where heavier vehicles—like those used in construction—would pay the full $30, while smaller cars would only contribute $15. This idea was well-received and highlighted how creative thinking could potentially ease the burden on individual residents.
For the Fee: Growth and Infrastructure Needs
In contrast, a lone voice in favor of the fee argued for its necessity in keeping pace with the county’s growth. “An intersection project today is going somewhere between $1.5 and $3M. For one intersection improvement, and we know we have those needs here in Lexington County,” stated Brent Rewis, a retired deputy secretary of planning from the SCDOT. His aim was to stress that without additional funding, essential infrastructure projects could fall by the wayside, possibly worsening traffic and safety issues in the years to come.
The Council’s Dilemma
Council member Todd Cullum, representing District 9, explained that they have three options: pursue the penny tax, which recently did not pass, consider this new fee, or do nothing at all. “We just didn’t pull a number out of the air and say $30 sounds good or $10’s not enough. So it was just about how much revenue could we generate to have a meaningful impact,” Cullum remarked.
What Comes Next?
While no formal vote has taken place yet, Cullum noted that the council’s next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, November 12, where the possibility of voting on the proposed fee may arise. Additionally, the council received a mix of public opinions: although two electronic comments were in favor of the fee, a whopping 122 comments opposed it. The council appears to be weighing this feedback seriously.
As the discussions continue, it’s clear that many Lexington County residents are invested in how their money is being spent and are calling for both transparency and fairness in whatever decision the council ultimately makes.
