NEWS
2007 in the House . . .
Hampton General Hospital Construction Fund received $100,000. The Competitive Grant was contributed to the hospital building fund. Total Legislative Delegation support reached $300,000 including an earlier $200,000 grant.
Colleton Farmers Market received $150,000 matched by a $100,000 federal grant for the relocation of the farmers market to a permanent facility. The market provides an opportunity for local producers to sell to local residents. Consequently, non-farm families are able to buy fresher food products and downtown merchants benefit by having more people downtown.
The Colleton Cultural Center in the old Hampton Street School received a $285,000 appropriation. The grand example of art deco architecture houses one of the state’s finest acoustically correct auditoriums and is home to the Colleton County Arts Council. Eventually, the facility will house a museum and provide a large ballroom type facility with a wow-factor for public events. It will truly be the nerve center for civic activities in Colleton County and the Lowcountry. The renovation project will be modern while retaining its historical integrity.
Property taxes for school operations on primary residences go away. The change does not affect taxes for school buildings. After a long and difficult process, the House and Senate approved legislation in 2006 to provide property tax reform throughout the state. The plan eliminates all school operating taxes on owner-occupied homes. The reduction in property taxes will be offset by a one-cent increase in the sales tax.
The great news is that the reform plan guarantees that both Colleton and Hampton Counties will each receive $2.5 million a year in funding for school operations. This marks a significant increase in funding compared to the revenue generated under our old tax system.
Income taxes will be slightly reduced for the lowest income levels.
Sales tax for unprepared food will be phased out over the next several years, depending on the level of growth in overall state revenue. Eventually, there will be no sales tax at the grocery store.
Colleton State Park and Lake Warren State Park are again fee-free. After a four-year effort, these rural state parks once again honor their role of stewardship for South Carolinians. The old fee boxes will remain in place for donations.
Other News . . .
