DARLINGTON COUNTY, SC (WBTW) – Darlington County Council approved an ordinance that would put a $20 million bond for the new courthouse on the ballot in November.
The courthouse has been a major topic of discussion in the Darlington community for years.
Public forums were held earlier this year to gain input on how to pay for the courthouse, and whether or not to renovate the current building or rebuild it at a different location.
Darlington County Administrator, Marion Stewart, told News13 in May that council will not know where the courthouse will go if a new one is built.
“There may not be a final decision until well after the voters approve or disapprove the sales tax,” Stewart said after the meeting in May. “Whether or not there will be one new building, two new buildings, one building and a renovation; It’s still part of what council is trying to determine.”
Stewart also said the new tax would be separate of the one voters decided on last year.
“This would be an additional penny on top of what was approved last year for the school district,” he said.
If the referendum is approved by voters, the sales tax would begin on May 1, 2019, and would last no longer than four years.
Local business owners in the downtown square said they want to see the current building renovated so they won’t lose business.
“I think the voters should get to choose,” said Darlington Resident, Larry Coates. “I’d renovate it. More money to have to tear one down, and rebuild so save money renovating it.”
Stewart said at council’s last meeting that it wouldn’t know if the building will be renovated or rebuilt until the project is voted on in November.
“If that penny’s approved, it can only be used for building a new facility or renovating [or] refurbishing the current facility for what is in our current courthouse,” said Stewart.
News13 reached out to Stewart for comment on Monday’s meeting, but did not hear back.
