Georgetown County residents voted on 2 local sales taxes. Only 1 passed.
Georgetown County residents voted on two local sales taxes on Tuesday. One, a one-cent sales tax for the county’s general fund, passed. The other, a one-cent sales tax for road and bridge repairs, failed.
The sales tax for the general fund will generate an estimated $15 million annually, according to Georgetown County Council Chairman John Hill. The funds will be used to support the county’s day-to-day operations, including public safety, education, and social services.
The sales tax for road and bridge repairs was projected to bring in an estimated $12 million annually, according to the county. These funds were intended to address the growing need for repairs and upgrades to Georgetown County’s roads and bridges.
The failure of the road and bridge sales tax comes at a time when Georgetown County is facing increasing pressure to address its aging infrastructure. In recent years, the county has seen an increase in the number of potholes, crumbling bridges, and unsafe road conditions.
The sales tax was opposed by a coalition of local business owners and residents who argued that the tax would burden consumers and stifle economic growth. Opponents also expressed concerns that the county’s infrastructure issues would not be addressed effectively through a sales tax.
County Council Chairman John Hill said he was disappointed that the road and bridge sales tax failed to pass. However, he said that the council would continue to look for ways to address the county’s infrastructure needs.
“We need to continue to work together to find solutions to the problems facing our county,” said Hill. “This is a complex issue, and it is important for everyone to be part of the conversation.”
The passage of the sales tax for the general fund is expected to provide some relief to the county’s budget. However, the failure of the road and bridge sales tax raises concerns about the county’s ability to address its aging infrastructure needs.
Georgetown County Council will be meeting to discuss the results of the sales tax elections and develop a plan for addressing the county’s infrastructure issues.
