Sales‑tax referendum push: committee chair urges clearer project list and private‑sector leadership

Dean Moss, chairman of the county’s sales‑tax advisory committee, briefed the Beaufort County workshop on a proposed 1% transportation sales tax for the November ballot and urged local leaders to organize private‑sector support and a clear public education campaign.

Moss reviewed the history of the 2018 penny tax package, noting some projects were completed and others remain funded but not yet built; he said COVID, protracted disputes over a Hilton Head bridge, and turnover in county administration contributed to delays. Moss told the group the money from the earlier tax “is still in the bank waiting to be spent for those projects,” and argued that worsening traffic and safety concerns make renewed action necessary.

Moss and participants emphasized that a successful campaign will need a transparent implementation plan and independent oversight. Several attendees urged creation or early formation of a citizens oversight committee to build trust; Moss said the county should provide a clear project chart that explains what would be done first if the tax passes and how revenues would be spent. Staff told the group that many previous projects are in design or right‑of‑way acquisition and that a full status presentation and expenditure report will be made to the Public Facilities and Safety Committee on Aug. 19 and published on county websites.

Discussion also addressed alternatives if voters reject a sales‑tax measure: speakers listed options such as impact fees, increased road‑use fees, bonds, or millage increases but warned such funding would be piecemeal and would require additional prioritization. Moss and others called for coordinated outreach north of the Broad River and cooperation with Jasper County, which is pursuing a similar measure.