Beaufort Residents Face Critical Vote on $950 Million Transportation Tax Referendum This November

Beaufort Residents Face Major Decision This November

BEAUFORT — As the warm September sun shines down, casting a pleasant glow over the coastal town, residents are gearing up for an important vote that could shape the future of transportation in Beaufort County. In just a few weeks, they will have the opportunity to make a decision regarding a nearly $1 billion transportation tax referendum aimed at improving the county’s infrastructure.

On the ballot this November, Beaufort County residents will vote on a proposed $950 million sales tax referendum. If passed, this initiative would enforce a 1 percent sales tax for the next decade. This tax is designed to address pressing transportation needs as the county experiences significant growth, while also working to regain trust from the community due to past management issues.

Understanding the Tax Referendum

If voters approve the referendum, the total sales tax rate in Beaufort County will remain unchanged. Current tax rates include a statewide 6 percent sales tax, meaning that residents will continue to pay a combined total of 7 percent on common purchases, with some exceptions such as gas and groceries.

County Council Chairman Joe Passiment and other council members are strongly advocating for this tax initiative. “All 200,000 citizens who live in this county are going to be affected by what we do in the next 10 years,” Passiment expressed. He emphasized the necessity of the referendum, stating, “If this goes down, we have to come up with Plan B because the roads aren’t going to fix themselves.” Councilman Mark Lawson echoed these sentiments, noting that without this plan, property taxes might need to rise, making this sales tax a more appealing option for residents.

Concerns from the Community

Ashley Phillips, a resident of Hilton Head, voiced her concerns at a recent council meeting, saying, “I think before we give you anymore of our money, you need to finish the projects we had on the list in 2018.”

County officials have acknowledged these frustrations. Assistant County Administrator Jared Fralix explained that rising construction costs and lengthy project approval processes have contributed to delays. Councilman David Bartholomew admitted that mismanagement played a role as well, but he believes that lessons learned from previous failures will pave the way for better oversight with the new referendum.

New Measures for Transparency

In response to public concerns, the proposed referendum includes stricter oversight measures. If approved, it will establish a community-led oversight committee that will include members from various local councils. This committee is intended to help monitor projects and budgets, ensuring that residents have a say in how their tax dollars are spent.

There have also been adjustments made to the length and scope of the tax, which was originally proposed to last for 15 years. Public feedback has resulted in the plan being updated to a 10-year timeframe instead. The sales tax advisory committee, formed to recommend valid projects, has worked diligently since May 2022 to compile a list reflective of community needs.

What’s Next?

As November draws near, voters will have the chance to assess whether these new measures provide enough assurance to support the tax. If the referendum passes, it will not only fund transportation improvements but also contribute an extra $50 million towards greenbelt initiatives, focusing on conservation and the creation of public green spaces. Meanwhile, if the proposal does not make it, the county may struggle to fund necessary projects, potentially resulting in a rise in property taxes for residents.

With such high stakes, the upcoming vote promises to be a pivotal moment in Beaufort County’s growth journey. Are residents ready to invest in the future of their community? The decision lies in their hands come November 5.