The Lexington County Capital Project Sales Tax Commission asked council to consider moving a planned penny‑sales‑tax referendum to 2027, citing timing concerns tied to an ongoing county traffic‑improvement study and the need for more public engagement.

Commission members said they have been meeting to assemble project lists and update cost estimates but that the county’s transportation study — which staff said will be completed mid‑year next year — is a key input for prioritizing projects and communicating a coherent program to voters. The commission also reported that municipalities’ project lists and updated cost estimates were not yet fully available and said more stakeholder meetings and public engagement are needed to prepare a ballot question and outreach plan.

Several council members on the committee supported the recommendation to move the referendum to 2027 to allow time for updated cost estimates, a public education effort and coordinated stakeholder meetings. The commission asked staff to bring a formal resolution and timeline back to council for consideration; the chair indicated a motion to prepare that resolution would be ready for a future meeting.

Why it matters: A penny sales tax referendum would raise significant funds for local infrastructure projects; delaying the vote would allow more complete project lists, updated cost estimates and expanded public outreach but also postpone revenue for capital projects.

What’s next: County staff will prepare a proposed resolution and timeline for council consideration that would set a referendum in 2027 if council approves.