FLORENCE, SC (WBTW) – The $198 million referendum for Florence School District One has failed, according to unofficial results from Florence County’s elections board Tuesday night.
As of 9 p.m. Tuesday, 74.83 percent of the vote was for “no” (13,136 votes). “Yes” made up the remaining 25.17 percent of the vote (4,419 votes).
If the referendum had passed, it would have funded construction of replacements to four schools: Southside Middle School, Williams Middle School, Savannah Grove Elementary School and a combined building for Timrod and Wallace Gregg elementary schools.
The plan also called for security upgrades to mobile classrooms and new athletic facilities at all three high schools. Those who voted “no” say the general obligation bonds aren’t the right way to fund the projects because they would raise property taxes.
Florence One says taxes would have gone up at a rate of about $134 on a $100,000 home.
“If they don’t have enough money now, they can wait a few years to get more, but they have done five schools in six years,” said Florence County resident Beverly Surma. “Taxpayers don’t want more taxes on them this period.”
Those who chose “yes” say that price is worth it so needed upgrades happen more quickly.
“It’s basically for our kids,” said Lateasha Damon, whose children go to schools in Florence One. “It’s for their future and I feel like this would be the best thing for them.”
Florence County’s elections board says 28 percent of registered voters cast their ballots in Tuesday’s referendum and that the results will be certified by Thursday.
