Lexington County Residents Raise Concerns About Proposed $30 Vehicle Fee Amid Infrastructure Needs

Lexington County Residents Voice Concerns Over Proposed Vehicle Fee

LEXINGTON COUNTY, S.C. — If you own a vehicle in Lexington County, you might want to start saving some extra pennies! A proposed annual fee of $30 on registered vehicles is being considered by local council members, and the conversation is heating up. During a public hearing held Tuesday night, residents shared their thoughts on the potential charge, which local leaders hope will help with maintenance, improvements, and construction of roads and storm-water systems.

A Closer Look at the Proposal

During the meeting at the Lexington County Administration Building, it was clear that the community had mixed feelings about the proposed fee. While some saw the necessity for enhanced infrastructure as the area continues to grow, others raised important concerns about fairness and transparency. “This fee may seem small on paper, but its impact will be large and unfair, especially for the most vulnerable members of our community,” expressed Brent Munnerlyn, a local resident.

Participants in the meeting voiced a variety of grievances, pointing to inflation and questioning how existing funds are currently allocated. With many residents from rural backgrounds, concerns were raised about the additional burden on farmers and those in the agricultural sector. “We live in Lexington County. It is a rural county. How many people around here are farmers? Whether it’s crops or chickens,” mentioned Anthony Rogers, echoing sentiments shared by others.

Suggestions and Alternatives

The discussion also opened the floor for alternative solutions. Some residents advocated for a more equitable approach to the fee structure, such as a sliding scale that would charge heavier vehicles, like those used in construction, a higher amount, while lighter vehicles might pay less. “If there could be a sliding scale where the heavier equipment for builders, who have big trucks, would be charged maybe $30 and those of us with lighter, smaller cars be charged maybe $15,” suggested Liesha Huffstetler, illustrating the kind of compromise some are hoping for.

Support for the Fee

Interestingly, only one resident spoke in favor of the fee during the meeting. According to Brent Rewis, a retired deputy secretary of planning with the South Carolina Department of Transportation, the reality is that infrastructure improvements come with a hefty price tag. “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,” he pointed out, highlighting the necessity for funding in a growing community.

Council’s Take on the Issue

Council member Todd Cullum from District 9 addressed the public’s concerns and outlined the options available to the council. He stated they are considering three choices: the penny tax that did not pass, the proposed annual fee, or doing 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 amount of how much revenue could we generate to have a meaningful impact,” Cullum explained.

What’s Next?

If the fee goes forward, it is set to take effect in January 2025. The council’s next meeting on this topic is scheduled for Tuesday, November 12. While Cullum hinted that a vote could take place during that session, he believes a decision will be reached by the end of the year. It’s worth noting that the feedback received prior to the meeting was overwhelmingly against the fee, with 122 electronic comments submitted in opposition and only two in favor.

As this discussion evolves, Lexington County residents will surely stay tuned, hoping for a solution that balances the needs of the community, while also considering the economic pressures that many are currently facing.