Sales tax referendum sought in Berkeley

MONCKS CORNER — Officials on Monday unveiled a minimum of nine road projects that would benefit if Berkeley voters approve a seven-year, 1-cent sales tax increase in November.

The Berkeley County Chamber of Commerce's proposal includes large, multimillion-dollar projects in high-growth areas and paving projects in the hinterlands.

Officials hope including projects in all parts of the county will persuade residents to vote for the tax, which would raise between $15 million and $17 million a year for seven years.

Goose Creek Mayor Mike Heitzler and state Sen. Paul Campbell, R-Goose Creek, speaking on behalf of the chamber, told County Council that the issue needed to go up for a referendum because the roads are becoming a public safety issue.

They said the county is lagging behind Dorchester and Charleston counties, which have passed sales tax increases and are benefiting because they have the revenue to provide matching grant money key to completing large projects.

"This is a very impressive list of road improvements we can accomplish," Heitzler said.

County Council approved first reading of the ordinance for a referendum on the issue, but several councilmen said they didn't think the proposal goes far enough.

Heitzler said the chamber, working with the Berkeley-Charleston-Dorchester Council of Governments, came up with a list based on needs in every part of the county.

Campbell said the county is looking at alternative ways to fund the U.S. Highway 17A project.

If it gets the money elsewhere, that estimated $30 million would go toward a list of 32 other paving projects in mostly rural areas. Officials also pointed out that grant money secured with matching funds could free up more money.

Steve Davis was the only councilman to oppose the issue. He said it doesn't benefit rural areas enough and doesn't include anything to help with the lack of recreational opportunities in the county.

"If we don't pass it, I don't know where we will find the funds," Councilman Jack Schurlknight said.

The council also approved the first reading of an ordinance that would require all bars and nightclubs to close by 2 a.m.

Proposed road projects

Proposed Berkeley County 1-cent sales tax projects:

-- Widen U.S. Highway 17A from Cypress Gardens Road to Moncks Corner. Estimate: $30 million

-- Extend Henry Brown Boulevard from Liberty Hall Road to U.S. 52. Estimate: $23 million.

-- Widen and resurface Clements Ferry Road from St. Thomas Island Road to Jack Primus Road. Estimate: $20 million.

-- Widen College Park Road from U.S. 17A to Corporate Parkway.Estimate: $17 million.

-- Widen and resurface Myers Road from U.S. 17A to U.S. 176. Estimate: $12 million.

-- Pave six county-maintained dirt roads in Cross and Pineville. Estimate: $5 million.

-- Resurface Jedburg Road from U.S. 176 to I-26. Estimate: $4 million.

-- Resurface undetermined roads in St. Stephen. Estimate: $1 million.

-- Improve intersection of U.S. 17A and S.C. 41 in Jamestown. Estimate: $500,000.

Reach Andy Paras at 745-5891 or aparas@postandcourier.com.