In Lexington County the propose penny sales tax increase is not an easy sale. Many of the citizens in the county want to know how the increased tax will help or hurt them. The penny tax would increase sales tax from 7 percent to 8 percent and up to 10 percent on certain prepared foods.

The sales tax money can virtually be used for any purpose, many county council members would like to see the money generated from the penny tax increase go towards road and bridge improvements throughout the county. The list of proposed project include a water recreation park in Springdale, an Irmo-area complex to train youngsters on safety, a 600-seat performing-arts auditorium at Chapin High School, a welcome center for a park in Cayce, athletic fields and recreation facilities in Dixiana, Gaston, Pelion and Pine Ridge, new town halls for Batesburg-Leesville, Cayce, Gaston, Pelion, South Congaree and Springdale, as well as regional centers for deputies, ambulances and other services near Batesburg-Leesville and in Dixiana.