After a thorough six-month process that included numerous meetings across the county, a list of proposed capital projects is set for final consideration by Georgetown County Council.
The list forms part of a referendum on a proposed 1% Capital Project Sales Tax, which would fund the projects if the referendum is approved by voters in November. Before that, however, it must clear another hurdle: a vote by the County Council to place it on the Election Day ballot.
The referendum text and accompanying project list were developed by a special committee through a process strictly regulated by state law and closely monitored by the public. County Council must approve or deny the referendum text in its entirety and cannot make any changes to the project list as presented by the committee.
According to state law, the committee was tasked with creating a prioritized list of projects to be funded in order of their priority ranking if the Capital Project Sales Tax is approved. The tax, set to begin in May 2025, is expected to raise about $10 million per year over eight years. The referendum also includes a contingency list of projects, which would be addressed in order of priority with any remaining funds after the initial project list is completed.
“I think everybody is very pleased with the way the community was engaged, the quality of the projects and the outcome of what we put together,” said Mark Hawn, who served as chairperson of the Capital Project Sales Tax Committee.
The initial list contains 22 projects, while the contingency list is made up of 19. Projects on both lists are located in all seven County Council districts and are heavily weighted toward health, safety and quality of life. Of the 22 projects on the primary list, seven are water and sewer projects totaling $34.4 million. Six of 19 projects on the contingency list are water and sewer projects.
Stormwater and drainage projects are also included throughout both lists, along with new fire/EMS facilities and a new Emergency Operations Center for the Emergency Management Division and 911. Residents can view the draft resolution, as well as the projects lists and the proposed projects sorted by council district at gtcounty.org/cpst. More information about the committee and its process are also located on that web page.
A referendum on a 1% Local Option Sale Tax, designed to decrease property taxes paid by residents, will also appear on the ballot in November. Georgetown County is planning regional public information meetings on the two referendums in mid-August to September. Look for a meeting schedule to be announced in early August.
A speakers bureau has also been organized to address local groups about the taxes. To request a speaker for your group, email jbroach@gtcounty.org. More information is also available at gtcounty.org/2024taxes.