LANCASTER COUNTY, S.C. (WBTV) – Voters have until Saturday, Nov. 2 to vote early, with election day set for next Tuesday, Nov. 5.
This year, many ballot boxes will have additional options, including several important referendums across different counties and cities.
In Lancaster County, South Carolina, voters will face a massive bond referendum totaling nearly $600 million, the largest in the region. This bond is intended to serve many educational needs within the district.
What is a bond referendum?
Referendums allow citizens to directly influence laws and proposals that would normally bypass their elected representatives. For Lancaster County, this bond referendum will go directly to the ballot and include a wide range of initiatives.
The bond totals approximately $588 million and focuses on critical infrastructure improvements to local schools. Major projects include:
Buford Middle and High School Renovations. New Elementary and High Schools in Indian Land. Upgrades and new gymnasium at Andrew Jackson High School. Kershaw Elementary School Alternative School.
Bond details are extensive and dedicated websites can be quite overwhelming. It includes sections on facility needs, project recommendations, and cost implications for taxpayers.
Cost breakdown
From largest to smallest, the expected allocation breakdown in the bond document is as follows:
Community-wide New elementary school with 1,200 students New high school with 2,000 students in the northern area Added athletic support space to Indian Land High School and Middle School Support facility upgrades throughout the community Lancaster Community – $113.45 million 1,200 students New Elementary School South Middle School Renovation Lancaster High School Renovation Community – General Support Facilities Upgrades Kershaw Community – $95,000,000 Students 1,000 New Elementary School Andrew Jackson High School New Gymnasium and Renovations Community-wide Support Facilities Upgrades District-wide – $37,600,000 Camera Addition/Renovation Satellite Maintenance Facility Activity Bath Elementary/Middle School Gymnasium Renovation District Office Boardroom Expansion North Elementary School Reuse Buford Community – $26,500,000 Buford Middle School Renovation Buford High School Renovation Community-wide Support facility upgrades
If a majority of voters reject the bond, the measure will not pass. Conversely, a majority vote allows the district to issue bonds, resulting in a tax increase.
For example, a homeowner with a $300,000 property and a $30,000 car can expect to pay about $16 more each month, which translates to about $200 per year.
District breakdown of estimated costs associated with the 2024 Lancaster School Bond Referendum. (LCSD) Community Perspective
The bond referendum has sparked diverse opinions within the community, with some groups advocating for approval and others urging residents to vote no.
This is a Facebook group that supports bonding. This is a Facebook group against bonds.
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