Indian Land Residents Vote “No” On Becoming Its Own Incorporated Town

LANCASTER, SC — A long awaited, hot button issue in Lancaster County came to an end Tuesday. Indian Land residents voted for the area not to become its own incorporated town in an overwhelming 83% no to 17% yes.

Residents of Indian Land voiced their opinions until the very end, on the area becoming its own town.

“I don’t think it’s really necessary I think we’re doing fine without any more government,” says Indian Land resident Billy Withers.

You can’t drive down Highway 521 without noticing the ‘Vote No’ signs along the road. Resident Chris Whiteside has been against the proposal from the beginning. He says the biggest reason why he voted no, was the possibility of higher taxes.

“You’re trying to incorporate 58 square miles of basically 40 square miles of rural farmland what you’re forcing farmers to lose their agriculture exemptions from the county,” says Whiteside.

20,000 Indian Land residents had the chance to cast their vote. Some voted yes saying Indian Land generates a majority of the tax revenue for Lancaster County and they should benefit from it.

“Some of that wealth is being distributed throughout the county rather then coming right back to where the residents pay the money,” says Indian Land resident Gary Dolan.

Indian Land is one of the fastest growing areas around Charlotte, Whiteside says right now, it’s too large of an area to incorporate and more of the residents need to be included in the planning process.

“At some point yes with a much better plan and a smaller area the whole idea of a municipality to begin with just start small and build bigger so that everybody can slowly add into it,” says Whiteside.