Saluda County’s Capital Projects Sales Tax Committee, known as the “Penny Tax” Committee, has finalized its recommendations for vital infrastructure improvements. The Saluda County GOP and all citizens of Saluda County extend heartfelt thanks to these dedicated volunteers for generously donating their time and judgment to benefit our entire community.
Committee Members
The committee consists of appointees from local government bodies. Saluda County Council appointed Ricky Bailey, Kathy Rushton, Dale Whittle, and alternate Brandy Cromley. The Town of Saluda appointed Andy Turner and Richard Logan, with Lee Ouzts as alternate; town members also selected Margret Nickerson from the Ridge Springs and Ward Areas.
Meeting History
The committee held its first meeting in January 2026, electing Ricky Bailey as chairman. They have convened six times total to review requests and deliberate. Bailey questioned some of the totals along the way, and comparing to similar recent construction projects, decreased the amount that was ultimately awarded.
Project Requests and Approvals
Project Requests and Approvals
Various departments submitted projects totaling about $27.9 million in requests, but the committee approved $17.8 million across nine priorities, leaving a cushion below the projected $19 million in tax proceeds after research on costs. They reduced funding for several items to fit the budget.
Unapproved Projects
Several requests were not selected, including Tanker Pumper Truck ($610,000), Firetruck ($1,200,000), Ambulance ($337,018), DSS/Health Dept Parking Lot ($381,090), and Detention Center Demo ($270,000).
This penny tax replaces the expiring previous one, keeping sales tax rates steady without an increase—voters decide on November.
All that remains to be done is finalizing the language of the referendum that will appear on the ballot in November.
