Greenville County raising taxes for the first time in 30 years, avoids government shutdown

Greenville County Council voted Friday night to raise taxes for the first time in nearly 30 years, narrowly avoiding a government shutdown.

The council voted 8-4 before a vocal crowd of residents to approve a $785 million budget that will raise county taxes by $28 for every $100,000 in value, which was negotiated down from a previous proposed increase to 11 mills.

To pass the budget, a supermajority of two-thirds of the council must vote, according to county rules. Council members Rick Bradley, Benton Blount, Steve Shaw and Stan Tzouvelekas voted against. Council Vice Chairwoman Liz Seman and council members Dan Tripp, Mike Barnes, Ennis Fant, Chris Harrison, Butch Kirven and Alan Mitchell voted in favor, as did Joey Russo, who initially voted no at first and second reading.

"At the end of the day, it's an easy decision to stick your finger up in the air and feel the wind blowing, and go that direction," Russo said Friday. "I've studied the facts, I've talked to people on both sides. I wouldn't respect myself if I did what I felt was not the right thing to do. I can kick the can down the road and see how things roll in 2027. But I didn't think that was the right thing to do."

The vote Friday night helped the county narrowly avoid a government shutdown and came on the heels of a 6-6 stalemate vote earlier that week. Without a budget passed by July 1, the county administrator wouldn't be able to pay employees or spend any money under state law.

The contentious adoption was a marked departure from previous years. The county has avoided increasing its tax rate for nearly 30 years while balancing an $80 million fund and boasting a AAA credit rating, the best rating granted by creditors. But Greenville's growth and increased inflation has strained county resources, creating a need for more resources, County Administrator Joe Kernell said.

"It is a solid plan, it is a responsible plan. I know it's not a popular plan, but at the end of the day, we have to do what's best for the operation of the county and the residents of this county, and that's what this plan does," Kernell said.

Macon Atkinson is the city watchdog reporter for The Greenville News. She's powered by long runs and strong coffee. Follow her on Twitter @maconatkinson. 

This article originally appeared on Greenville News: Greenville County raising taxes for first time in 30 years, no shutdown