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Lancaster County details 1% temporary sales tax and bond referendum to fund road projects
Summary
Lancaster County announced two transportation measures on the Nov. 4, 2025 ballot: a temporary 1% county sales-tax increase to fund more than 145 road and multimodal projects, and a bond referendum to borrow against the tax revenue so multiple projects can begin immediately.
An agency official for Lancaster County said the county will ask voters on Nov. 4, 2025, to approve two measures intended to accelerate transportation work across the county: a temporary 1% sales-tax increase and a bond referendum that would allow the county to borrow against those tax revenues.
The county official said the sales-tax increase would last 10 years and that gross proceeds from the 1% increase would fund more than 145 transportation projects countywide, including road widenings, repaving, intersection and roundabout upgrades, and greenway enhancements. "The first transportation related ballot question is about a 1% sales tax increase to help fund transportation projects across the county," the official said.
The announcement explained Lancaster County currently funds roads through multiple sources — capital project sales tax 2 and 3, state funds and the county road and pavement preservation fund — and that the preservation fund is the $40 fee listed each year on vehicle property tax bills used for repaving, pothole repairs, shoulder maintenance, ditch work and similar upkeep. The official noted that Lancaster County does not use property tax dollars to pay for road projects.
The second ballot question would authorize the county to issue bonds backed by the sales-tax revenues so it can start multiple projects up front rather than waiting for annual revenues to accumulate. "This would allow the county to get funds upfront to start multiple projects at once and not have to wait until the funding becomes available over time to pay for the project," the county official said.
The county said both residents and visitors would contribute to the sales tax and estimated that more than 30% of Lancaster County sales-tax revenue comes from people who live outside the county. The official also noted that certain purchases are not affected by the tax, citing items bought with SNAP or WIC benefits as examples.
Voters will decide the measures on Nov. 4, 2025. The county offered educational presentations about the referendum and advised people to consult official election resources for details. The announcement closed with a county disclaimer that the information is provided for educational purposes and does not support or oppose the measures.
