In addition to the candidates and other issues on the ballot this November, Dorchester County voters will also decide whether to approve a new Education Sales Tax.
If approved, Dorchester would join Berkeley and Charleston counties in adopting this approach, which has proven to be successful vehicles for funding school improvement projects that reduce the property tax burden on residents and businesses.
Earlier this week, Dorchester County Council voted unanimously to place the one-percent referendum on the ballot this fall. If it passes, the tax would take effect in early 2027 and remain in place for 15 years.
The sales tax is projected to generate approximately $688 million for capital needs across Dorchester School Districts 2 and 4. Under an agreement between the districts, 85% of the revenue would go to District 2 and 15% would go to District 4.
District 2’s proposed projects include a new middle school near Delemar Highway, improvements at Summerville, Fort Dorchester and Ashley Ridge high schools, renovations at several middle schools and upgrades to various facilities.
District 4’s priorities include replacing the existing elementary school in St. George, developing a combined elementary and middle school in Ridgeville and adding a new wing to Woodland High School.
Because the program would be funded through a sales tax, visitors and shoppers from outside Dorchester County would also contribute. School officials estimate that nonresidents would account for approximately 60 cents of every dollar collected.
The Chamber recognizes that strong schools are essential to a thriving community, a prepared workforce and our region’s long-term competitiveness and proudly supports this referendum.
In other news, we are excited to host City of Charleston Mayor William Cogswell at the Chamber on Thursday, August 20 at 10 a.m. for a discussion about the Battery Extension, a transformative infrastructure project to combat flooding on the peninsula, increase connectivity and make the city more resilient.
This project is vital to the continued success and growth of our region. There have been more than 1,200 flood-related road closures on the peninsula in the past five years. For the last 15 years, daily flooding events have increased at a rate of 7% every year. If left unaddressed, flooding will continue to worsen to a degree that could eventually disrupt tourism and the overall economy.
The majority of the projected $1.3 billion needed to complete the extension will come from the Army Corps, with $455 million slated to come from local sources. A critical component of this funding will come from the proposedTransportation Sales Tax.
Join us on Thursday, August 20 to hear directly from Mayor Cogswell about the details of this project and what it means for the future of Charleston.
Register here.
