Council approves resolution to place transportation sales‑tax referendum on November ballot; 6–1 vote

Lancaster County Council voted 6–1 to direct staff and legal counsel to prepare the necessary legislation to place a transportation‑dedicated sales‑tax referendum on the November ballot.

Staff presented updated revenue projections and a revised project list that emphasized countywide resurfacing and municipal paving as well as larger widenings. The 1% sales-tax projection cited by staff was $16.5 million in FY 2024; staff used a 10‑year projection model that, with a 9% average growth assumption, produced a $256 million ten‑year revenue estimate for discussion purposes. The staff recommendation emphasized funding allocations for major widenings (including a portion of 521 work), municipal resurfacing, county resurfacing contracts and intersection improvements. Staff also raised the option of using transportation tax receipts to replace the county’s road fee and described the potential shortfall replacement that would require.

Council discussion centered on timing and outreach. Some councilmembers favored placing the question on this year’s November ballot to begin funding projects sooner; others said more time is needed for public education after the prior-year referendum defeat. After debate, Councilmember Jose Luis moved — and a motion was refined on the floor to ask staff to prepare the formal legislative actions needed (a resolution calling a referendum and the related ordinance) — and Councilmember Neal seconded. The motion passed 6–1. One councilmember said publicly they opposed moving forward this year.

Staff said the ordinance/resolution process will provide the vehicle for refining project lists and the ballot language and that the county will need a public-education effort if the referendum is filed for the November ballot.