Next DoorThursday, November 5
Charleston County voters approve three tax questions, including the half-cent transportation tax
The 5AM Summerville team
Next door in Charleston County, voters said yes to all three tax questions Tuesday, each with more than 60% support, according to unofficial results. The half-cent transportation tax passed with 63.91%, and the 1% school construction tax passed with 68.04%.
All three Charleston County tax questions passed with at least 63%
Unofficial results from the South Carolina Election Commission
Half-cent transportation tax
Up to $300 million in bonds
1% school construction tax
Source: WCBD News 2
View as table
| Race | Candidate | Votes | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| Half-cent transportation tax | Yes, won | 108,190 | 63.9% |
| Half-cent transportation tax | No | 61,102 | 36.1% |
| Up to $300 million in bonds | Yes, won | 108,002 | 64.0% |
| Up to $300 million in bonds | No | 60,841 | 36.0% |
| 1% school construction tax | Yes, won | 115,325 | 68.0% |
| 1% school construction tax | No | 54,182 | 32.0% |
- Transportation tax: up to 25 years, or until $4.25 billion is collected
- Bonds: up to $300 million, backed by transportation tax revenue
- School tax: 1%, imposed for up to six years
- School tax collection starts after the current one expires Dec. 31, 2028
The transportation money would pay for roads, bridges, drainage, CARTA transit and greenbelt conservation. Starting in 2027, the tax is projected to generate roughly $850 million for a rapid transit line along Rivers Avenue, and North Charleston Mayor Reggie Burgess says "by 2029 we should cut the ribbon." County Council Chairman Joe Boykin called it a legacy: "We're sitting here on the eve of a legacy."
Charleston County's transportation tax by the numbers
- $4.25 billion
- projected from the transportation tax over 25 years
- $300 million
- limit on bonds backed by the tax
- $850 million
- projected for the rapid transit line starting in 2027
Sources: WCBD News 2, Live 5 News, WCIV
Sources: WCBD News 2, Live 5 News, WCIV