Lexington County Residents Voice Concerns Over Proposed Vehicle Fee
In the heart of Lexington, residents gathered recently to speak out about a proposed vehicle fee that has been causing quite a stir. On October 22, the Lexington County Council held a public hearing where community members expressed their thoughts, feelings, and concerns regarding the fee. The fee aims to charge residents an annual fee of $30 for each vehicle registered in the county. With approximately 290,000 vehicles, this could lead to an annual income of about $8.7 million to help fund road improvements that the county desperately needs.
A Tough Time to Add Fees
Among those who attended, Brent Munnerlyn, a local resident, voiced the sentiment many feel during these trying times. “We are still recovering from the economic impacts of COVID-19, inflation is squeezing family budgets,” he said passionately. “Adding this fee now would only slow our recovery and make life harder for families like mine.”
Munnerlyn isn’t alone in his worry. The cost of living and economic struggles have left many Lexington residents feeling burdened. As families try to navigate through post-pandemic life, they’re looking for relief, not additional financial strain.
Support for the Fee
However, it’s worth noting that not everyone is against the proposed fee. Former deputy secretary of planning for the state Department of Transportation, Brent Rewis, stood by the council members suggesting that the growth in Lexington County necessitates such fees. “I’ve seen the growth. Everybody’s seen the growth,” Rewis explained. “It’s coming whether you want it to or not…You can either ride the wave of change or get smothered underneath it.” His words stirred a thoughtful debate on whether the fee could indeed help manage increased road usage and maintain infrastructure.
Looking for Alternatives
Alongside the vehicle fee, there are discussions of introducing a penny tax, which would appear on the 2026 ballot. This tax, which has already faced challenges in previous years, could generate significant funds for road improvements. However, the thought of more taxes has residents like Helen Lanier from Swansea concerned. She urged council members to collaborate with the community to explore alternative funding options. “Our community needs your support,” Lanier said. “You need our support.”
Many feel the burden of the vehicle fee would disproportionately affect low-income families. Census data shows that about 11 percent of the county’s population lives below the poverty line. This means that approximately 32,000 residents could feel the impact of the fee more intensely than others, leading to a call for a fairer, more equitable approach to funding.
Neighbors Rally Against the Fee
Other residents echoed Munnerlyn’s and Lanier’s sentiments. Sandy Wade from Chapin argued that instead of burdening county residents with more fees, the county should look for financial assistance from state resources. “There’s just got to be a better way to be able to come up with the money that we need for roads,” Wade stressed, drawing applause from others who feel similarly.
The Path Forward
The council members present noted the feedback, mentioning they had already received over 120 electronic comments from residents opposing the fee. As the discussion around this ordinance continues, another council committee meeting is set for November 12, where further debate will unfold. Residents are eager to see what options will emerge, and more importantly, how the county can address the pressing issue of road maintenance without straining already tight budgets.
As the community gears up for further discussions, one thing is clear: the voices of Lexington count, and the goal remains focused on finding a balanced solution that works for everyone.
