Here is a recap of the Simpsonville City Council meeting on Aug. 11.
Final approval: Penny sales tax referendum
Council voted 6-1 to approve an ordinance that includes a referendum to add a penny sales tax in Simpsonville city limits on the Nov. 3 ballot. Councilmember Aaron Rupe (Ward 2) was the lone dissenting vote.
If approved by voters, the tax would go into effect for eight years, from May 2027 to April 2035, and fund $44.4 million in 141 local infrastructure projects across more than 40 miles of city-owned streets. The projects would include repaving as well as work on drainage systems, sidewalks, intersections and other safety improvements.
The ordinance would also provide a $11.1 million tax credit to 4% property owners within city limits over that same eight-year period.
Approved: Traffic calming measures
Council approved a pair of resolutions to calm traffic in the League Estates and Hunters Woods subdivisions.
The speed limit will be lowered in League Estates from 25 mph to 20 mph, and speed humps will be added on the east and west portions of Foxhound Road near the park/playground area in Hunters Woods.
Failed: City Council meeting live video streaming
Council voted 5-2, with Councilmembers Shannon Williams (Ward 3) and Sherry Roche (Ward 4) casting the dissenting votes, to reject a resolution to begin live video streaming of City Council meetings, beginning January 2027.
Multiple council members expressed concerns over the acoustic issues in Council Chambers, as well as the projected cost of $25,000-$30,000 to set up the streaming technology.
While the city of Simpsonville does release audio recordings of its meetings on its website, it is the only municipality in Greenville County that does not stream live video of its meetings.
Initial approval: Naming requirements for city-owned property
Council voted 6-1, with Roche casting the dissenting vote, to give initial approval to an ordinance to update requirements for naming city-owned and -controlled properties and infrastructure.
If approved, the updated ordinance would require that no public city-owned or -controlled property, facility, building, park, street or space be named in honor of any living person. It would also require a one-year waiting period before any public property is named after a deceased person.
The updated ordinance would also allow for property to be named after individuals who have contributed land, money or other significant resources to specific public property, provided that the donor stipulates the naming in writing as a condition of the contribution.
This item will go before the City Council Sept. 8 for final approval.
Final approval: Timber’s Edge development
Council approved an ordinance to amend the statement of intent and concept plan for Timber’s Edge innovative development.
The updated plans also increased green space, added guest parking and expanded sidewalks within the development. When it is completed, Timber’s Edge will have no more than 50 units on 18.2 acres on Neely Ferry Road and will connect to Plain Elementary with sidewalks.
Approved: Simpsonville Teacher of the Year Award
Council unanimously voted to approve a resolution that establishes an annual Simpsonville Teacher of the Year Award in September via public nominations of teachers employed by a school in city limits and subsequent selection by City Council.
