RoadsWednesday, November 4
Beaufort County voters narrowly approve the $780 million penny tax for roads
The 5AM Bluffton team
If you drive U.S. 278 or Bluffton Parkway, this one's for you. Beaufort County voters narrowly approved the penny tax Tuesday, 40,951 to 39,724, preliminary results show. It will raise $780 million over nine years for 87 road and intersection projects.
Voters approved the penny tax and the bond question
Preliminary results, 100% of precincts reporting
1% transportation sales tax
Up to $450 million in bonds
Source: Hilton Head Island Packet
View as table
| Race | Candidate | Votes | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1% transportation sales tax | Yes, won | 40,951 | 50.8% |
| 1% transportation sales tax | No | 39,724 | 49.2% |
| Up to $450 million in bonds | Yes, won | 42,660 | 51.4% |
| Up to $450 million in bonds | No | 40,276 | 48.6% |
Voters also approved up to $450 million in bonds so work can start before the tax money builds up. The bonds get repaid from the new sales tax. Bluffton spots on the list include William Fording Island Road (U.S. 278) and Buckwalter Parkway at Bluffton Parkway.
- Rate: the county sales tax goes from 6% to 7%
- Collections begin May 1, 2027
- Length: up to nine years, or until $780 million is collected
The plan splits the $780 million three ways. Heather Woolwine of the Hilton Head Island Chamber of Commerce told WSAV the county can't stop growth but needs infrastructure changes.
It was the eighth transportation tax question since 1996. Voters rejected $950 million in 2024.
Sources: Hilton Head Island Packet, WJCL, WSAV-TV