The recent ongoing saga concerning Greenville County's financial future has taken another turn. Tuesday night at the County Council meeting the 3rd and final reading of the budget failed to be approved.
The budget had passed its 2nd reading two weeks ago 8-4, but last night the vote was split 6-6. The four prior no voters, Benton Blount, Joey Russo, Steve Shaw and Stan Tzouvelekas held to their previous stance. The final no that split the vote came from Vice Chair Liz Semen.
Prior to the vote, Councilman Shaw made a motion to introduce a newly revised budget, that motion failed. Councilman Tzouvelekeas worked on the alternative budget and spoke about it prior to the vote. He claimed that the alternate plan did not cut out jobs in the County or funding for the Sheriff's Office, but did trim extra spending in the forms of green space, affordable housing and council expenditures.
Councilman Chris Harrison refuted that statement, saying that looking at a psychical copy of the alternate budget, it was clear that County departments would be cut in total of over a million dollars.
Council member Ennis Fant implied that he's tired of talking to County residents about the possible tax increases. Fant said he's had calls from at least one person, who took issue with the possible increases. Fant said he was tired of hearing it and offered to pay the extra taxes for that resident, if the person would leave him alone.
The council now has to work together to come up with a finalized budget by the end of the month, per state law. They do not have another regularly scheduled meeting, but will holding special meetings to beat the deadline.
