Hardeeville Mayor Examines Upcoming Transportation Sales Tax Referendum

Hardeeville Mayor Sheds Light on the Upcoming Referendum Question

Hardeeville Mayor Harry Williams recently shared insights on the upcoming referendum question scheduled for this year’s Election Day. The electoral question will ask residents of both Jasper and Beaufort County if they want to fund road projects by introducing a 1% transportation sales tax. While maintaining neutrality, as demanded by state law, the Mayor aims to educate citizens so they can make an informed decision.

Jasper and Beaufort County Proposed Taxes

Beaufort County has proposed a 10-year, $950 million sales tax of 1%, with a predefined list of projects and their respective estimated costs. In contrast, however, Jasper County, where Hardeeville is located, proposes a longer-term sales tax of 1% for the next 15 years, amounting to $470 million. The selection of projects includes prominent ones such as widening Beaufort’s portion of the “triangle” and Argent Blvd. in Jasper– suggesting a coordinated regional effort for handling the growth of this corridor.

Jasper County’s Previous Approach to Taxation and The New Referendum

While the state imposes a 6% sales tax, counties can add three extra 1% taxes, post referendum approval. For instance, since 2017, Jasper County included a total of 3% in additional taxes, leading to an overall sales tax of 9%. This encompassed a Local Option Sales Tax (L.O.S.T.) of 1% which was partially refunded to property owners, a 1% school tax that will soon be discontinued, and a 1% transportation sales tax for road projects passed in 2016, which is also due to expire soon. Jasper’s sales tax will drop to 7%. However, if the new referendum sees approval, the tax will rise back to 8%.

The Potential Implementation of the Proposed Tax and Projects

Under state law, the tax ceases to apply when either the target dollar amount is collected, or the specified number of years is covered. For instance, if $470M is collected in 12 years, or 15 years pass and only $400M is gathered, the tax will be nullified. The projects enlisted in the referendum include a series of improvements and widenings of significant intersections and corridors, along with a set of “Plan B” projects ready to be implemented if there are changes in the estimated funding or project costs.

Keeping Citizens Informed

Mayor Williams confirmed that an advisory committee, comprising of mayors from Hardeeville and Ridgeland, the County Council Chair, and a School Board member, will be holding regular public meetings to review tax collections, cost estimates, project status and priorities. This initiative emphasizes maximum transparency and public input into the decisions impacting the region.

Why A Sales Tax?

In South Carolina, and particularly in coastal communities, road projects are normally funded via local sales taxes. These taxes allow tourists, who make up almost half the spenders, to contribute to the services they use, instead of locals bearing 100% of the costs through property taxes. This upcoming referendum brings a vital question in front of the residents of Jasper and Beaufort counties and can significantly impact the future infrastructure of these areas.