LANCASTER COUNTY, S.C. (WBTV) – Voters have until Saturday, Nov. 2 to cast their early ballots, with Election Day set for next Tuesday, Nov. 5.
This year, many ballot boxes will feature additional options, including several important referendum votes across various counties and cities.
In Lancaster County, South Carolina, voters will encounter a significant bond referendum totaling nearly $600 million, the largest in the region. This bond aims to address numerous educational needs within the district.
What is a bond referendum?
Referendum votes allow citizens to directly influence legislation or proposals that typically bypass the elected representatives. For Lancaster County, this bond referendum will appear directly on the ballot and involves a wide range of initiatives.
The bond, amounting to approximately $588 million, focuses on critical infrastructure improvements in local schools. Key projects include:
- Renovations to Buford Middle and High School.
- New elementary and high schools for Indian Land.
- Upgrades and a new gym at Andrew Jackson High School.
- A replacement school for Kershaw Elementary.
The bond details are extensive, with a dedicated website that can be quite overwhelming. It includes sections on facility needs, project recommendations, and the cost impact to taxpayers.
Breakdown of the costs
In order from greatest to least, these are how the bond documents break down the expected allocations:
- Community-wide
- New, 1,200-student elementary school
- New, 2,000-student high school in North Area
- Athletic support space additions to Indian Land High School and Middle School
- Community-wide supportive facility upgrades
- Lancaster community – $113,450,000
- New, 1,200-student elementary school
- South Middle School renovations
- Lancaster High School renovations
- Community-wide supportive facility upgrades
- Kershaw Community – $95,000,000
- New, 1,000-student elementary school
- Andrew Jackson High School’s new gym and renovations
- Community-wide supportive facility upgrades
- Districtwide – $37,600,000
- Camera additions/renovations
- Satellite maintenance facility
- Activity buses
- Elementary and Middle School Gym Renovations
- District office board room expansion
- Repurpose North Elementary School
- Buford Community – $26,500,000
- Buford Middle School renovations
- Buford High School renovations
- Community-wide supportive facility upgrades
If the majority of voters reject the bond, it will not pass. Conversely, a majority vote in favor allows the district to issue the bonds, resulting in a tax increase.
For example, homeowners with a property valued at $300,000 and a car worth $30,000 can expect to pay approximately $16 more per month, translating to about $200 annually.
Community Perspectives
The bond referendum has sparked diverse opinions within the community, with some groups advocating for its approval and others urging residents to vote against it.
- Here is a Facebook group advocating for the bond.
- Here is a Facebook group advocating against the bond.
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