From “The State/Dawn Hinshaw”

Richland County has scheduled the first round of community meetings to explain details of a proposed penny sales tax for transportation.

The increase, to 8-cents on the dollar on most purchases, would raise $1 billion over 22 years to improve roads; bus service; and expand bike lanes, sidewalks and greenways.

The sessions, announced Tuesday, are:

• Monday: 9/ 10 Adult Activity Center, 7494 Parklane Road
• Sept. 13: Eastover Park, 1031 Main St.
• Sept. 17: Friarsgate Park, 1712 Chadford Road
• Sept. 19: Richland County Public Library, 1431 Assembly St., Columbia
• Sept. 20: Blythewood Park, 126 Boney Road
• Sept. 24: Bluff Road Park, 148 Carswell Road

All presentations will begin at 6 p.m.

County spokeswoman Stephany Snowden said staff will give presentations as well as hand out project lists and maps.

Members of the anti-tax group Not a Penny More will attend some of the sessions “so we can at least ask appropriate questions,” spokesman Michael Letts said.

Richland County staff members are available to provide educational information to community associations, neighborhood organizations and other civic groups. See the county website at www.rcgov.us, e-mail transportationpenny@rcgov.us or call (803) 576-2050.