Here’s a recap of Greenville County Council’s Feb. 17 meeting.
Approved: Bond issues for arena
Council approved final reading of two ordinances authorizing bond debt to help finance a proposed $282 million renovation and expansion of Bon Secours Wellness Arena in downtown Greenville.
The first measure authorizes the Greenville Arena District, a special purpose district created by the state General Assembly to own and operate the arena, to issue up to $40 million in general obligation bonds to help underwrite the costs of the renovation project.
A separate ordinance authorizing the district to issue up to $100 million in hospitality tax revenue bonds was also approved.
During a public hearing prior to the vote, several spoke for and against the measures. Those in favor emphasized the value the arena brings to the community. One of those in opposition expressed concerns about noise from a proposed amphitheater impacting the surrounding area. Arena officials have said previously that a noise impact study would be conducted.
Addressing concerns that servicing the debt might fall on Greenville County taxpayers, councilman Curt McGahhey (District 21) said he was confident the arena district would be able to pay the debt from operational revenue and that county taxpayers outside the arena district would not be called on to help shoulder the costs.
The final vote on the bond measures was 9-2, with council members Kelly Long (District 18) and Garey Collins (District 27) the only opposing votes. Alan Mitchell (District 23) was absent.
