SchoolsThursday, November 5
Dorchester County voters approve a one-cent education sales tax that starts April 1, 2027
The 5AM Summerville team
If you shop in Dorchester County, your sales tax is going up. Voters approved a new one-cent education sales tax Tuesday night, with 59.96% in favor, and it starts April 1, 2027. Post and Courier breaks down the new 8 percent rate: 6 percent from the state, 1 percent for county roads and 1 percent for schools.
Dorchester's school sales tax passed with about 60% of the vote
Unofficial results, 100% of precincts reporting
One-cent education sales tax
Source: WCIV
View as table
| Race | Candidate | Votes | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| One-cent education sales tax | Yes, won | 31,643 | 60.0% |
| One-cent education sales tax | No | 21,128 | 40.0% |
- Length: up to 15 years
- Split: 85% to District Two, 15% to District Four
- Exempt: groceries, personal hygiene products, medications and gas
- Off limits: operations and teacher or staff salaries
District Two plans a new school near S.C. 61 and Delemar Highway, plus upgrades at Summerville High, Fort Dorchester High and Ashley Ridge High. District Four's list includes replacing 72-year-old Williams Memorial Elementary. Projected revenue is $688.2 million in one estimate and about $692 million over 15 years in another. DD2 Superintendent Chad Daugherty has said a typical family will pay about $143 a year.
Sources: WCIV, Post and Courier