Opinion ID: 1266394
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Violations of Prior Referenda

Text: The Plaintiffs argue that the resolution and its attendant agreements violate the results of two prior referenda which denied the School District the right to exceed its general obligation debt limit. We disagree. In 1998, the citizens of Colleton County rejected a referendum which would have allowed the School District to issue approximately $42 million in general obligation bonds; well in excess of the School District's general obligation debt limit. Similarly, in 1999, voters rejected a resolution which would have allowed the School District to issue approximately $39.5 million in general obligation bonds. The Plaintiffs claim that a decision of the School District which results in an increase of the School District's general obligation debt beyond its debt limit violates the results of these referenda. We hold that this claim does not state a cause of action. The relevant question is whether the School District has violated the constitutional or statutory limits on the amount of outstanding general obligation debt it may incur. The Plaintiffs provide no authority supporting the proposition that a referendum which is wholly rejected (and therefore a nullity) can form the basis of a legal claim. Accordingly, we grant the Defendants' motion for summary judgment as to this claim on the grounds that it fails to state a cause of action.