“Capital Project Sales Tax” Starts May 1

When Laurens County residents went to the polls on November 3, 2020 the Capital Project Sales Tax (CPST) Referendum that was on the ballot passed with overwhelming support.

A total of 24,736 votes were cast with 14,370 (58.09%) in favor and 10,366 (41.91%).

To fund the 16 projects (see list below) the sales and use tax rate in Laurens County will increase to 8 percent on May 1, 2021. The Capital Project Sales Tax WILL NOT apply to unprepared food, fuel and prescription drugs.

Funding for the projects can begin on May 1, at which time several of the projects will begin. Some are using matching funds and multiple funding sources so they may start later.

Here is a list of the 16 projects:

• Laurens County Parks and Recreation: Renovate and update recreational parks throughout the county to include new playground equipment, splash pads, picnic tables, and shelters. $1,727,500.
• Clinton Regional Library: Construct a 12,000 square foot up-to-date library facility, offering books, computer access, designated children’s area, community gathering space, tutoring rooms and ample parking. $4,300,000.
• Historic Courthouse: Restoration, repair, and renovation of the roof, exterior foundation, moisture control of the facility as well as an interior ADA compliant elevator. $3,550,766.
• Agriculture and Business Center: Construct a multipurpose facility for public events and to house the Clemson Extension Offices. $7,983,008.
• Fountain Inn Infrastructure Project: Upgrades to improve Exit 22 on Interstate 385 to enhance traffic flow and minimize congestion. $912,000.
• E-911 Radio Upgrade: Purchase and upgrade all first responder radios to the Palmetto 800 standard to enable all responders to effectively communicate and coordinate responses. $2,481,496.
• Laurens County Airport: Rebuild an efficient airport terminal to provide better services for the public and industry that will meet competitive standards in other regional Airports. $500,000.
• Veterans’ Monuments and Memorial Park: Establish a memorial park at the Laurens County Library with monuments dedicated to the branches of the military. $414,200.
• LCWSC Water Tower: Replaces the water tower in Hickory Tavern to increase capacity for more efficient operations of infrastructure and for future development. $1,994,755.
• Martha Dendy Community Center: Improve and expand the capabilities for adult education, tutoring, and community enrichment at the former Martha Dendy School. $756,000.
• Laurens County EMS Medic 1 Renovation: Renovate the current Medic 1 Center on Exchange Drive to improve services and response times, $314,500.
• Laurens County Animal Shelter: Renovate the animal shelter to include an HVAC system, reduce harmful noise, and allow safer handling of animals, $280,000.
• Laurens County Trails Association: Construct a walking/biking/hiking trail in and around Laurens County Hospital to become a part of the Swamp Rabbit Trail. $380,000.
• Town of Gray Court Park: Construct the first phase of a park complex for ball fields and recreation. $891,220.
• City of Clinton Infrastructure: Repair of certain streets, relocation of utility boxes, and repair certain aging water and sewage lines. $6,528,443
• Laurens County Sheriffs’ Evidence Storage Facility: Construct a facility with climate control features for storing evidence, multi-year records, and mandatory court evidence. $1,964,250.