Citizen Group to Campaign Against $59 Million Richland Library Referendum

A citizens committee has formed to campaign against a proposed $59 million referendum for the Richland Library set to go before voters in November.

The group, called Not Another Tax Increase, will be co-chaired by Michael Letts of Northeast Richland and Wayne Duncan of Chapin, according to a release. 

“Earlier this year, Richland County raised the sales tax to eight percent, insisting the money was needed for the buses," Letts said in the release. "Unfortunately, about two-thirds of that revenue is going toward non-bus-related projects that many feel are unnecessary — such as $50 million for Innovista."

 “We strongly support the library, but it’s foolish to rush to raise taxes when existing revenue isn’t being used wisely. The $50 million that Richland County is giving to Innovista for no reason at all could have nearly covered the library’s renovation costs."

Richland County Council approved placing the bond referendum on the ballot earlier this year. The bond money would be used to renovate existing libraries and construct two new facilities in the Ballentine area and Northeast Richland County.

Officials say residents would pay $12 to $14 per year in property taxes on a $100,000 home.

Voters already approved an extra penny-on-the-dollar sales tax last November to fund transportation projects. 

The group’s primary goal, Letts said, is to make sure voters are properly informed about the issue. The committee will also assemble a citizens task force to monitor the election and report any "conduct by elected officials that might compromise the integrity of the election."

“We want to make sure as many voters as possible participate – regardless of whether they support or oppose the tax increase,” Letts said in the release. “Last year’s election disaster left many people disenchanted with our Richland County politicians, and a lot of folks have questions about the elections process – particularly since the politicians haven’t enacted any meaningful reforms."

"Our goal is to give people as much peace of mind as possible, and hope they’ll turn out to cast ballots.”