Passed in 2012, the Richland County Transportation Penny Tax program funds road improvements, sidewalks, greenways, and The COMET public transit system utilizing a 1 percent sales tax.

Following extensive public input on future transportation and infrastructure needs, Richland County Council voted to place the continuation of the Penny program on the 2024 General Election ballot. The 2024 Penny Referendum will ask voters to decide whether to extend the Penny program once the current 2012 Penny is fully collected, expected in 2026.

The proposed extension is projected to generate a maximum of $4.5 billion over the next 25 years, or until the maximum revenue is reached, whichever comes first, and will fund Community Investment (48 percent), County Advancement (30 percent), and COMET Enhancement (22 percent)—all without increasing taxes.

A number of information resources have been developed to educate and enlighten the public on the purpose, planning and impact of the funding that would be derived from continuing the County’s 1 percent Penny sales tax. (Access these resources with the links below.)

Richland County encourages all residents, organizations and businesses to use and share these resources to stay informed ahead of the 2024 General Election. County Council highly values community input and invites feedback or inquiries about all aspects of the Transportation Penny program.