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Council advances 1% transportation sales‑tax referendum, approves ballot language and project list
Summary
Lancaster County Council approved second reading of an ordinance to place a one‑percent transportation sales and use tax on the November ballot. The package totals $253 million over 10 years and lists 147 road projects; the ordinance also seeks voter authorization to issue up to $100 million in bonds.
Lancaster County Council approved on second reading an ordinance to place a one‑percent transportation sales and use tax on the November 2025 ballot and finalized the ballot language and project buckets.
The ordinance, presented under Title 4, Chapter 37 of the South Carolina Code of Laws, outlines a two‑question ballot: (1) authorize a 1% special sales and use tax for not more than 10 years to fund a specified package of road and intersection projects and (2) authorize issuance of up to $100,000,000 in general obligation bonds payable from the tax proceeds to front‑load selected projects.
Staff told council the package totals $253,000,000 over 10 years and that the full project list includes 147 roads across county, municipal and SCDOT jurisdictions; the complete list is included in the agenda packet. The ordinance presentation noted project buckets for intersection improvements, roundabouts and road resurfacing, and staff said SCDOT had been consulted to finalize dollar estimates.
Education campaign and outreach: Council discussed outreach plans. County staff said communications and marketing will lead an informational campaign (digital materials, brochures and presentations to civic groups) but may not use county resources to advocate for a vote. Outside volunteer groups may run advocacy campaigns and distribute public materials. Staff also said the county has a new communications director starting next week who will help shape the voter‑education program.
Councilmember concerns and follow up: Councilmembers asked for more detail on specific roads in their districts, notably questions about Barbourville Road and Harrisburg Road from one councilmember who said constituents were already contacting her about local traffic issues. Staff said the full list in the packet will be made available to residents and that staff will discuss specific project details with council members.
Council action: The motion to advance the ordinance for second reading and to approve the ballot language carried on a 5‑to‑2 vote.
What happens next: If council proceeds to final reading and the ordinance remains on the November ballot, staff will notify the voter registration authority and run an informational campaign ahead of the election.
