ElectionsTop story
Simpsonville voters pass a 1% sales tax for roads, 5,189 votes to 5,042
Simpsonville said yes to the penny tax as the county said no
Results of the 2026 general election
Simpsonville 1% sales tax
Greenville County Question 1
Source: Greenville Journal
View as table
| Race | Candidate | Votes | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| Simpsonville 1% sales tax | Yes, won | 5,189 | 50.7% |
| Simpsonville 1% sales tax | No | 5,042 | 49.3% |
| Greenville County Question 1 | Yes | 101,947 | 48.5% |
| Greenville County Question 1 | No, won | 108,280 | 51.5% |
Simpsonville voters approved a 1% sales tax referendum by a 1.4% margin. Greenville County voters went the other way: 51.51% opposed the county's penny tax, the fourth failed try since 2002.
The tax is expected to generate $55.5 million over eight years for roads, infrastructure and capital projects. City officials estimate about 40 miles of roads need fixing. Mayor Pro Tem Aaron Rupe said the city set an ordinance for itself that the money must be spent on a list of the actual roads and infrastructure it would work on.
“You can look at 60% of those revenues, which is more than $30 million or so, will be paid for by outside people of our city.”
Aaron Rupe, Simpsonville Mayor Pro Tem
- Starts: May 1, 2027, and lasts eight years
- Homeowners: 20% of revenue becomes credits on owner-occupied home tax bills
- Not taxed: most groceries, prescription medicines and gasoline
- Applies to: retail items and restaurants
Simpsonville expects $55.5 million from its penny tax over eight years
Source: Greenville Journal
View as table
| Value | |
|---|---|
| Greenville | $511.6 million |
| Simpsonville | $55.5 million |
| Mauldin | $24.5 million |
| Travelers Rest | $19.8 million |
