At the same time, property taxes and sales taxes could rise in Lancaster County.
In November, voters will decide on a bond to support local schools and another to improve roads.
Given the growth in Lancaster County, officials are considering a $588 million bond for schools
Channel 9’s Tina Terry has covered the school bond extensively and recently learned about the transportation tax.
She asked the politicians why they had put both issues to the vote at the same time.
There is no state law that prohibits this.
Senior officials said there is currently a need for improvement in schools and local roads.
“South Carolina currently has the highest growth rate in the country,” said Dennis Marstall, Lancaster County administrator.
When it comes to growth in the state, Lancaster County tops the list.
The population has grown by 12% in nine years.
In November, voters will vote on a $588 million school bond that would raise property taxes to fund new schools and improvements.
The same ballot also asks whether the Legislature wants to raise the sales tax to widen and improve local roads with the $405 million bond referendum.
Highway 521 is one road that would be widened if the transportation tax were passed.
“It’s certainly complementary to the state road projects, but it also means we’re accelerating the state road projects,” Marstall said. “If we just wait for the state to meet all the needs, we’re going to have to wait a while.”
Marstall said city council members had seriously considered putting two tax referendums to a vote at the same time.
“The council had no problem putting this to a vote now because the need is not going to change,” she said.
Now it’s up to the voters.
“I will vote no,” said voter Gail Kaufmann. “The reason is that the county continues to build without considering the road network.”
“If you want the best fruit, you have to go to a store that has the best fruit and it will cost more… the same goes for taxes,” said voter Sylvia Pratt.
A school district spokesman said Tuesday that officials are planning for all scenarios, including what they will do if the bond fails.
If the traffic tax fails, county leaders will have to continue working with the state to improve roads, they said.
Click here to see a list of roads that could be improved.
Click here for information about the school bond.
VIDEO: As Lancaster County grows, officials consider $588 million school bond
