Officials hold campaigns over Charleston County transportation sales tax referendum

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – Local officials held campaigns for and against the transportation sales tax referendum on Wednesday.

Leaders who are in favor of the tax referendum cited traffic congestion, preserving greenspace, and improvements to biker and pedestrian safety. Taxpayers would be contributing a half-cent sales tax until $5.4 billion is reached to fund other transportation projects.

“One of the very misleading messages is that parts of the county may not gain as much from this, but we are regionally connected,” Jenny Honeycutt, Charleston County vice chair, said. “It has always been our priority that each area is regionally represented. Other projects east of the Cooper has seen much improvement, while Johns Island and parts of south Charleston have not and now its their turn.”

This would be a renewed third transportation sales tax, since the 2004 sales tax referendum has been in effect. However, those in opposition wish to go back to the drawing board to outline what the sales tax will be used for.

“It is everybody’s chance to make their judgment known,” Larry Kobrovsky, Charleston County councilman, said. “What’ll happen is, it’s kind of like a slush fund and other than 526, county council will have blank check to do whatever they want. There’s no obligations to do any of those road projects. Everybody needs to know that.”

Reggie Burgess, mayor of North Charleston, said these funds will go to projects that will improve the quality of life for residents.

“They work in West Ashley,” Burgess said. “They can’t afford to buy a car, can’t catch a bus on time, so they’re taking their lives into their own hands and walking across that bridge. It’s a gauntlet. So, why don’t we build bicycle and pedestrian lanes to get them over there?”

The current transportation sales tax won’t expire until 2027, which leaves time for officials to create a new plan.

“It won’t delay any road projects forthcoming, again we all have responsibility,’ Kobrovsky said. “For those sitting in traffic and caring about conservation. We can still do this right, it’s kind of presented to us as an ultimatum now. But that’s a false ultimatum, people can say no.”

In order for residents to vote on the referendums, they must select yes or no. By voting straight party, the referendums will not be included.