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Small business owners could soon pay less in property taxes

The proposal is being discussed with both Columbia City Council and Richland County Council.

COLUMBIA, S.C. — A potential proposal could cut property taxes for Columbia business owners. 

The proposal reduces property taxes for small businesses like the Vino Garage owned by Doug Aylar.

“Right now property taxes is about $400 and that’s just for a little wine shop," he said.

Columbia Mayor Rickenmann said he wants to create a more small business-friendly city and create long-lasting small businesses in the area. He said one of the concerns of business owners in the Columbia area is not being able to invest in their businesses due to high taxes.

“Trying to make ourselves competitive against our sister cities and our neighboring states. To do that we gotta modernize the tax structure but we can’t change the tax structure. So why not use tools that are already existing to reduce the burden on commercial and rental properties which are non-owner occupied?” the mayor said.

 

Rickenmann says it would be a gradual leveling that would take 10 years to lower the property taxes.  

“It’s a nice easy transition that allows us to grow and it benefits all the communities without affecting homeowners or any other folks," he said.

And two percent off could make a difference in small businesses say business owners. 

“What I think it will do is attract larger corporations and larger manufacturers,” Aylar said.

Mayor Rickenmann said he wants to focus on small Columbia-based businesses which could also impact the future population of the capital city, by sustaining businesses in the city.

This proposal is in discussion phases the Columbia City Council with Richland County Council.

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