Beaufort County voters reject sales tax by 11% points, leaving infrastructure projects unfunded
In a decisive vote, Beaufort County residents rejected the proposed one-cent “penny tax” that would have funded traffic infrastructure projects. With no new funding source secured, the county’s plans to address traffic congestion, improve road safety and preserve greenbelt initiatives are now in jeopardy.
The tax described on the county’s website as,”ask(ed) voters to approve a one percent (1%) sales and use tax in Beaufort County beginning the following year (2025) and continuing for ten (10) years, or until $950 million in funds are raised, whichever occurs first.”
By 11:07 p.m., all 126 precincts were counted, revealing that voters rejected the sales tax with 52,515 votes or 55.5% versus the measure garnering an unofficial total of 41,972 or 44.4% votes to approve.
The failure of both measures shows public frustration with the pace of past projects and government transparency. The 2018 sales tax referendum, which was intended to fund similar infrastructure improvements, resulted in only 10% of the projects being completed. Residents have expressed concern about the efficiency of the county’s infrastructure spending, and many are wary of additional taxes, particularly in light of the slow progress. These issues were commonly raised during public comment periods of the council meetings.
The 2018 referendum includes three categories: US 278 corridor traffic improvements with one project, Lady’s Island corridor traffic improvements with nine projects and sidewalks and multi-use pathways with 24 projects involving 31 roads, according to the Beaufort County Engineering department. Of the 34 projects included in the referendum, 3.5 are complete, one is in construction, two are in the right of way acquisition stage, three are on-hold, 14.5 are in the design phase and the rest are not yet in development.
In June, two council members suggested that if the tax doesn’t pass their only avenue to raise funds for infrastructure improvements would be through raising property taxes. However, no action on that suggestion has occurred.
This story was originally published November 5, 2024 at 11:53 PM.
