JOHNS ISLAND, S.C. (WCSC) – A majority of Charleston County voters said “no” to renewing a half-cent sales tax planned to fund transportation, drainage and greenbelt projects.
Charleston County general election results showed 61% of voters rejected the transportation sales tax and use referendum. Nearly 40% of voters chose ‘yes’ on their ballots.
The ballot question asked for the renewal of the half cent sales tax. The tax meant residents would fund $5.4 billion over 25 years. The plan would start in 2027 to support 22 large-scale transportation projects, drainage and greenbelt projects.
The ordinance planned for $4.9 billion toward transportation projects with $2.3 billion of that money focusing on the Mark Clark extension. The project would impact West Ashley, James Island and Johns Island areas if continued.
County councilman Larry Kobrovsky was against the referendum. Kobrovsky says the tax defeat would be “a historic vote from the grassroots level that was up against great odds.”
“This in my opinion was- and apparently in the opinion of most people in Charleston County- overwhelmingly thought it was a fiscally irresponsible plan, that didn’t address our needs countywide,” Kobrovsky says. “And we need to roll up our sleeves and you know come back in two years with something that is fiscally responsible and transparent and comprehensive.”
County council voted for the third and last time in July with a majority vote in favor of the tax. The final vote during the meeting was 6-2 with one council member absent.
Vice Chairwoman Jenny Honeycutt supported the referendum and advocated completing the I-526. She is among the 39% of voters that voted ‘yes’ on their election ballots. Honeycutt says officials will continue to look ahead to figure out solutions to issues.
“I think we all agree that we face some very challenging transportation and infrastructure issues with the amount of growth in our region and we have to address that,” Honeycutt says. “So we will look for whatever mechanism possible to continue our transportation program and meet those needs.”
Up-to-date election results are available here .
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