May 24, 2025

Charleston County Seeks Consultation After Tax Referendum Failure

News Summary

Charleston County officials are looking for a third-party consultant to understand the overwhelming rejection of a proposed transportation sales tax intended to fund the Mark Clark Extension project. Voter skepticism over the County Council’s use of previous tax funds contributed to the referendum’s failure. The finance committee aims to enhance public engagement for a potential future referendum. Despite this setback, other transportation initiatives, such as the Main Road Segment A and Palmetto Commerce Interchange projects, are still on track.

Charleston, SC – Charleston County officials are seeking third-party consultation following the overwhelming rejection of a half-cent transportation sales tax referendum by voters in November 2024. The proposed sales tax was intended to finance the Mark Clark Extension road project, which aimed to extend Interstate 526 to Johns and James Islands.

The referendum sought to continue the existing half-percent sales tax, first passed in 2004, for an additional 25 years, aiming to raise approximately $5.4 billion. Of that total, the Mark Clark project was expected to consume $1.8 billion, which accounted for over one-third of the projected sales tax funds. Voter turnout across 182 precincts showed a stark opposition, with only 11 precincts supporting the tax, while every precinct on Johns Island voted against it.

A significant factor in the referendum’s failure was a lack of trust in the County Council. Many voters expressed concerns that previous tax funds had not been utilized effectively, leading to a widespread sentiment of skepticism regarding the proposed tax’s potential benefits. In light of this, the County Council’s finance committee voted on May 22, 2025, to explore hiring a consulting firm aimed at evaluating the reasons for the referendum’s failure. This firm will also work to educate the public about past projects funded by sales tax revenue and enhance community engagement for a potential future referendum in 2026.

One of the proponents of the sales tax, Councilwoman Jenny Costa Honeycutt, emphasized the importance of outreach and re-establishing trust with the community. The rejected referendum was designed to finance several projects, but the Mark Clark Extension was prioritized. Supporters of the tax highlighted the urgent need to improve traffic flow between Johns Island and downtown Charleston, underscoring the necessity of such infrastructure improvements.

Despite the setback with the referendum, various ongoing transportation initiatives remain a focus for the county. The Mark Clark project was officially terminated on May 12, 2025, upon the ending of the funding contract with the State Infrastructure Bank and the state’s Department of Transportation. The Main Road Segment A project is identified as Charleston’s largest infrastructure project, with an estimated cost of $379 million and construction expected to commence in 2025. Additionally, the Palmetto Commerce Interchange project is on track for completion by February 2026, which aims to alleviate congestion along Interstate 26.

Concerns over funding due to the failed referendum may hinder the advancement of further transportation projects across Charleston County. John Zlogar, co-founder of A Better Charleston County, remarked that hiring a consultant reflects a need for improved public relations efforts rather than addressing core community concerns related to transparency and trust. The implications of the referendum’s defeat extend beyond the immediate project financing and may affect public sentiment toward future endeavors involving community infrastructure.

County Public Works Director Eric Adams noted that road projects are typically lengthy processes, requiring extensive permitting, with the only completed project from the 2016 tax being the Glenn McConnell Parkway widening. These long-term timelines underscore the urgency of addressing public concerns to ensure the support needed for future funding initiatives.

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Author: STAFF HERE CHARLESTON

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