BEAUFORT, S.C. — Beaufort County voters will find a two-part road funding question on their Nov. 3 ballots, asking them to add a penny to the local sales tax for as long as nine years or until $780 million comes in.
A yes vote on the first part would lift the county’s sales tax from the state’s 6% base to 7%, with collections starting May 1, 2027. Rent, mortgage payments, gas, unprepared groceries and prescription medicine would not be taxed.
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The money is tied to a published list of projects in three groups: intersection safety work, road widening and resurfacing. The second question would let the county issue up to $450 million in bonds, repaid from the tax, so design and construction could start before the revenue builds up.
County officials say it would be the largest referendum total and the longest collection period in county history. Voters turned down a $950 million version in 2024, and the county says the new plan names specific projects, a change residents asked for.
The ordinance also creates a citizen-led oversight committee to watch spending and set project priorities. County Council gave the plan final approval on June 22.
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