Our county faces a growth challenge. Some want to use impact fees to support services. I think that may be a hardship on young families. They may have to finance the fees in their mortgage. To my knowledge, there is a local option sales tax to support our schools which most people don’t want to renew. And there are advocates for a sales tax to pave county roads which has failed. I think we would generate more revenue for services with an ongoing local sales tax, than a one time impact fee. The General Assembly is working to reduce sales tax exemptions and cut the state sales tax in half. It may happen next year. A local option sales tax may not hurt us and we would all support our community.

Jim McGraw, Lexington County