Tax could fund library, museum

“Technology’s changing,” Wright said. “We need a more up-to-date library system.”

Many homes still do not have access to a computer, so a new facility “would only improve the quality of education in our area,” he said.

On Tuesday, voters will decide whether they want to renew the tax for another seven years. County officials say it will raise $74.3 million for a variety of building projects.

Since it was first approved by voters in 1998, “the penny” has been used to build town halls, pave roads, install water and sewer lines and even create recreational facilities such as the Orangeburg County Aquatic Park and the new Orangeburg City Gym.

Santee Mayor Donnie Hilliard said the tax, “has changed Orangeburg tremendously.” Hilliard was county administrator when the tax was first approved.

“The one that really stands out is … the infrastructure in terms of water and sewer,” he said. “Without that, our community cannot grow.”

Wright said Vance was able to build a community center and a park with the tax. Gaillard Park in Eutawville was also a result of the penny.

The projects that are being considered for the next round of the tax include further improvements to water and sewer infrastructure, improvements to the sports complex in Branchville and the construction of an Orangeburg County Museum and Memorial Park.

As citizens decide the tax’s future, Councilman Johnny Ravenell said “We definitely are in need of a library.”

No details were given on the new building, but Ravenell said it will be placed “in a location that’s going to benefit the college students and citizens as a whole.”

The new library will make use of technology “instead of the traditional way we do things,” Ravenell said.

He explained that the library will be like an extension of a computer lab where students will be able to do research.

The list of new penny projects also has almost $1.6 million for a nursing facility at Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College.

Orangeburg County Administrator Harold Young said the building will prepare students for jobs after graduation.

The list also includes $3 million for improvements at Orangeburg’s Railroad Corner and downtown development.

“I think it’s a great location because it’s near the colleges,” Ravenell said.

Wright said the improvements will make the area more attractive to businesses.

“The county is growing economically,” he said. “Now’s the time to take advantage of this.”

He said the projects will prepare the county for further growth when opportunities come knocking.

Money from the tax is set aside for each county council district and municipalities. It can be used to pave roads and build other projects.

Council Vice Chair Janie Cooper-Smith said her district is no longer as rural as it once was because of the amount of road paving that resulted from the tax.

Cooper-Smith said she used to receive calls each day about roads needing repairs.

Councilman Harry Wimberly said his District Three “would not have water, we would not have internet” without the tax.

“This county couldn’t survive without it,” he said.