Letter: Sales taxes great options for taxpayers

On Nov. 8, it is important to vote for candidates for office and understand the significance of the local sales tax referendums on the ballot.

Beaufort County is growing at such a rate that it is categorized by some research groups as the 15th fastest-growing metro area nationwide. Drive anywhere in the Lowcountry and it is easy to witness the unbelievable expansion of properties in all parts of the county.

This means tremendous pressure to plan, coordinate and especially fund the projects of infrastructure to keep up with this growth over the next five years, including roads, sidewalks, schools, septic and water systems, public safety, and other projects. Previously, voters have responded positively to similar ballot requests to support projects like the Bluffton Parkway and the new May River High School.

To me, supporting such ballot requests is a no-brainer since this allows the local taxpayer an opportunity to share the costs of these types of projects with the tourists. These folks by in large use most of these infrastructure resources, so I’m happy to share the additional cost with them. Some estimates I have heard indicate that tourists pay for 30 to 40 percent of the local sales tax.

If you want to keep local property taxes as low as possible, and recognize the great expansion we are headed for, this is a grand opportunity to share the cost burden. If not, it will come from increased property taxes.

This story was originally published November 3, 2016 at 4:16 PM with the headline "Letter: Sales taxes great options for taxpayers."