Mauldin voters will decide in November whether to add a 1% sales tax for eight years, with the money earmarked for nearly $20 million in road and infrastructure work, a new fire station and property-tax credits for qualifying homeowners. The proposal would take effect next spring if voters approve it.
Mauldin City Council approved the measure on second reading, according to FOX Carolina. The referendum is headed to the Nov. 3 ballot, and the tax would begin next spring and continue for eight years.
Road Repaving And Fire Protection Top The List
The ordinance sets aside $15.6 million for city road infrastructure, while another $4 million would go toward a new fire station. The projects are outlined in the enacted ordinance.
The proposed resurfacing program includes specific street projects. Fire Station 5 is included among the projects, according to Mauldin’s project list.
City of Mauldin budget records show the FY2025 Fire Service Fund budget totaled $5,598,400, compared with $4,979,849 in the FY2024 adopted budget. The City of Mauldin’s FY26 Proposed Budget puts the Fire Service Fund at $6,244,500, an increase of 11.5% over FY2025.
What The Extra Penny Would And Wouldn’t Tax
The city says the additional 1% would apply to certain purchases, while some items would remain exempt. The proposal also includes property-tax credits for homeowners.
For statewide context, the South Carolina Department of Revenue says a Local Option Sales & Use Tax may be imposed to reduce the property-tax burden on those in the county. South Carolina Department of Revenue guidance says retailers reporting sales for the Local Option Tax must report those sales by the county and municipality where delivery occurs.
The proposal has already drawn some skepticism over its tax-relief pitch. Jason Kraeling, a member of City Council, questioned the framing in an interview with FOX Carolina, arguing that residents would first be asked to pay more through sales taxes before receiving part of the money back through a credit.
A New State Law Made The Referendum Possible
A new South Carolina law, identified as the Municipal Tax Relief Act, allows certain sales-tax hikes and says at least 20% of proceeds could fund property-tax relief, according to the South Carolina Legislature.
Mauldin’s ordinance projects roughly $24.5 million in gross revenue over eight years, while about $19.6 million would remain available for capital improvements. The proposal outlines the projects, according to the ballot ordinance.
The ballot question and project list are part of the proposal, and Election Day is set for Nov. 3, according to Mauldin officials. If the referendum passes, the proposal would generate tax revenue for the listed projects.
