Simpsonville to host public open house on municipal tax relief act proposal

City officials are inviting residents to learn more about a proposed local option sales tax that could significantly fund city infrastructure while providing direct property tax relief to local homeowners.

An drop-in Open House for the Municipal Tax Relief Act will take place on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Simpsonville City Hall, located at 425 E. Curtis St. Hosted under the Discover Simpsonville community initiative, the public event is designed to give residents an opportunity to review details, ask questions, and understand how the proposed penny tax could impact local taxes and city projects.

What the Municipal Tax Relief Act Means for Simpsonville

The open house comes as Simpsonville City Council considers placing a 1% municipal sales tax referendum on the upcoming November 3, 2026 general election ballot.

Enacted statewide under S.866 in May 2026, the Municipal Tax Relief Act allows qualified South Carolina municipalities, with voter approval, to levy up to a 1% sales and use tax for up to eight years. Under state guidelines, the revenue generated must be split between funding core infrastructure and providing direct tax credits:

• Infrastructure & Core Services: Up to 80% of revenue collected can be dedicated to capital improvement projects, including road resurfacing, stormwater drainage, public safety facilities, and civic buildings.

• Property Tax Relief: By law, a minimum of 20% of all collections must be rebated back to Simpsonville homeowners in the form of property tax credits.

• Exempt Discretionary Purchases: The 1% tax applies to general retail goods and prepared food, but exempts essential items such as groceries, prescription medications, motor fuel, utilities, and housing payments.

Addressing Long-Term Road and Capital Needs

City estimates indicate that an eight-year tax could generate over $43 million for local capital projects, enabling Simpsonville to tackle decades’ worth of backlogged road paving and stormwater repairs in a fraction of the time. Furthermore, non-resident visitors and shoppers in Simpsonville are projected to generate roughly 30% of the overall revenue collected under the tax.

Event Details & How to Attend

• What: Open House for Municipal Tax Relief Act

• When: Wednesday, August 5, 2026 | 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM

• Where: Simpsonville City Hall (425 E. Curtis St., Simpsonville, SC 29681)

• Admission: Free and open to the public. Residents may drop in anytime between 11:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. to speak with city staff and review project maps.