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Council advances transportation penny referendum language after public hearing; supporters and critics spar over timing and transparency
Summary
After a public hearing with both opponents and supporters, Beaufort County Council advanced ordinance language for a proposed transportation one‑cent sales tax referendum and approved scrivener changes to the ballot question; members emphasized targeted project lists and oversight.
Beaufort County Council advanced the ordinance and ballot language for a countywide 1‑cent transportation sales tax referendum on June 22 following a public hearing that drew supporters and opponents.
Public commenters expressed divergent views. Lisa Selka (S36) and Dan Wood (S30) urged passage, saying the tax is needed to address gridlock, unsafe intersections and countywide transportation priorities. Opponents such as Anne Eubelis (who earlier asked for more public education) and Jennifer Erickson (S37) questioned the speed of the process, transparency of project lists and the use of county resources to market the referendum.
Key details: Staff and committee members said project specificity was increased by listing projects directly in the ballot question rather than in a separate exhibit, and council approved scrivener amendments to remove inconsistent exhibit references. Members noted they removed certain elements (mass transit and green‑belt components) that were previously in the draft and emphasized the Citizens Oversight Committee and exhibit language changes. The ordinance was amended as a scrivener correction and then advanced.
Why it matters: Council said the penny is meant to address major corridors (SC‑170, US‑21 and US‑278), reduce serious injury crashes and improve school‑transportation safety. Opponents warned the tax could preclude municipal funding options and urged consideration of House Bill 866 (which would affect municipal taxing options); proponents said the project list and payout structure were designed to maximize tourist contribution while reflecting countywide needs.
Next steps: Staff will finalize the ballot language and the scrivener corrections identified on the record; the ordinance will proceed to final adoption and ballot preparation consistent with statutory referendum processes.
