MORNING HEADLINES | Charleston County Council members this week approved the first of three readings of the proposed 2026 transportation sales tax referendum. The vote advances the measure to the next stage of the public approval process ahead of a potential countywide vote on continuing a half-penny tax in November.
Council members voted 5-4 in favor of the measure, narrowly passing it. Council members Brantley Moody, Teddie Pryor, Henry Darby and Kylon Middleton voted against the ordinance at the council’s May 26 meeting. Council Vice-Chair Larry Kobrovsky said he might not support it in future votes without stronger language.
Council members will hold a public hearing during the regularly scheduled meeting at 6:30 p.m. June 11. Residents can review the proposed program and offer feedback. Council members may amend the proposal at any point up to the third reading.
The referendum would continue the existing 2004 half-cent sales tax, projected to end in 2027. Over its 25-year lifespan, the new tax would generate about $4.25 billion for transportation and greenspace projects across Charleston County with $2.7 billion going to roadway infrastructure, $860 million to public transit and $690 million to the county’s Greenbelt program. —Skyler Baldwin
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