Penny tax hike for roads might be back on Lexington County ballot in 2016
A revised plan for a penny-on-the-dollar sales tax increase might go to Lexington County voters as soon as 2016.
County Council members agreed Tuesday to explore another referendum on a tax limited solely to road improvements.
“It’s going to be a tough sell, but it’s something we need to talk about,” Councilman Bobby Keisler of Red Bank said.
Momentum is building for a second try at winning approval of a tax that county leaders say is the only way to ease traffic congestion created by rapid growth.
“We can’t continue to put Band-Aids on our problems,” Councilman Phil Yarborough of Irmo said.
Council members made it clear they will set up a referendum only if the plan is devoted entirely to projects that lessen bottlenecks and make roads safer.
A tax hike for a package earmarked mainly for roads lost 2-1 at the polls last year.
That package came under fire for inclusion of water and sewage projects, walking paths, sports fields, civic center and parks.
The look at a new referendum countywide comes as Lexington town leaders prepare to adopt a meal tax of 2 cents on the dollar to pay for three road improvements.
A local effort to ease congestion is necessary as federal and state aid declines, officials said.
“Our road problems are still there and continue to worsen,” Council Chairman Johnny Jeffcoat of Irmo said in recommending looking anew at the sales tax.
Supporters of that plan welcome a fresh attempt at improvements they say are vital as more residents and businesses settle in the 758-square-mile county.
“We can’t continue to wait,” said Earl McLeod, executive director of the Building Industry Association of Central South Carolina. “Another shot is appropriate.”
Foes aren’t surprised the tax plan might reappear so soon despite the overwhelming rebuff.
“They want it bad,” political consultant R.J. Shealy said.
The key to winning acceptance this time will be what road improvements are selected, both sides agree.
“That’s the big question,” Shealy said. “It’s got to be for projects that will move traffic.”
The choice would fall to an advisory panel that council members mainly appoint.
A tax increase from 7- to 8-cents on the dollar is estimated to raise nearly $300 million during the eight years it would last. It wouldn’t apply to groceries and prescription medicine.
Proposals in 2014 for new roads, widening dozens of intersections and routes and paving nearly 100 miles of dirt roads totaled $336 million, with $211 million chosen for the package rejected.
County leaders need to make developers pay a larger share of road improvements and other services, Shealy said.
“Dumping it on taxpayers is the easy route to take,” he said. “They’ve got to manage growth better, not just welcome it.”
Tim Flach: 803-771-8483
Anti-blight plan expanded
Lexington County Council on Tuesday expanded the area slated for a one-year test of blight prevention standards.
All neighborhoods along the north side of Lake Murray as well as a small area to the south near the town of Lexington were added to the proposal as it received tentative approval.
The plan would allow county officials to crack down on unkempt homes and businesses in unincorporated areas.
Its standards are similar to those in half of the county’s 14 municipalities.
Jeffcoat retiring from politics
Veteran Lexington County Councilman Johnny Jeffcoat of Irmo won’t seek re-election next year.
Jeffcoat said Tuesday it’s time to step down after more than 20 years in office.
“It’s been a lot of sacrifice on my family’s part,” he said.
His departure is expected to spark competition to succeed him in a district stretching across Chapin, Irmo and Lexington.
This story was originally published August 25, 2015 at 8:29 PM.