The Saluda County Republican Party works hard to recruit and elect strong candidates — through programs like Run Red and our recent “Questions for our Candidates” forum. We also invest significant time in voter education because informed voters strengthen our community.
As the June 9 primary approaches, we urge everyone to look beyond slogans and easy promises. Take time to examine the real challenges our elected leaders face, especially on issues involving spending, taxes, and budget constraints.
Saluda County’s leaders are not exaggerating when they describe our budget as stretched thin. In recent years, state-level decisions in Columbia have significantly reduced local revenue. First came the exemption for agricultural buildings and farm structures. Now, the recently passed boat property tax reduction (phased in starting 2027) will cut local collections by roughly 42%. For a small rural county like ours, these changes together drain over a million dollars from operating funds.
These state actions may make for good campaign talking points on tax relief, but locally they force difficult trade-offs. Funding for deputies, EMTs, road maintenance, and schools must still be maintained.
Before criticizing county council or school trustees for “overspending” or “raising taxes,” we encourage voters to review how much revenue has been shifted away at the state level and the limited options local officials have left.
What Should We Do To Make Up For Lost Revenue?
(Republished from Saluda County Council Chairman, Jim Moore, May 2, 2026 – before the boat tax was passed)
The South Carolina Legislature has passed a bill that reduces property taxes on boats by approximately 42%. At first glance, that may sound like good news for boat owners. However, for small, rural counties like Saluda, the consequences require careful consideration.
If fully implemented, this bill would result in an estimated revenue loss of approximately $299,158 for Saluda County government and $365,442 for Saluda County School District One — a combined total of over $664,000. This funding supports essential services and education.
Options to offset this loss are limited: raise taxes elsewhere, cut services, or reduce staff.
Is it fair to increase the tax burden on families who do not own boats to provide relief primarily for boat owners? The vast majority of our roughly 19,700 residents do not own one of the approximately 2,500 boats registered here.Who would face the cuts? A deputy? An EMT? Should we close an EMS substation? These are the real human decisions behind the numbers.
We operate on an extremely tight budget in Saluda County. We are not a large urban or heavily industrialized area. Our primary revenue source remains individual property owners.
Last year’s farm buildings exemption already reduced county revenue by about $350,000. This new cut adds to that pressure. How do we continue providing public safety, maintain roads and bridges, and deliver administrative services without adequate funding?
Our citizens choose to live here, often forgoing big-city amenities. We should not ask them to sacrifice basic services to enable a “tax cut on a luxury item” narrative at the state level.
How is this fair?
Jim Moore, Saluda County Council Chairman
We are fortunate to have four strong candidates who have stepped forward to serve on County Council. Whichever ones prevail, we must hold them to realistic expectations. Constructive criticism based on full information helps; criticism rooted in partial facts or unrealistic assumptions can harm our community.
Local officials are actively exploring efficiencies, prioritizing core services, and advocating for fairer treatment from Columbia. As voters, look beyond easy promises. Ask detailed questions. Demand facts. Support candidates committed to fiscal responsibility, protecting essential services, and fighting for local control.
The Saluda County GOP remains dedicated to transparent leadership and an informed electorate. Together, we can make sound choices for our county’s future.
