11/03/2025
LET'S TALK ABOUT THE TRANSPORTATION TAX REFERENDUM
Our county is facing a decision tomorrow as it will be the last day to vote on the Transportation Tax Referendum that is on the ballot. While opinions vary on the topic (as they always will), I want to share some thoughts.
First, I have a record of fiscal responsibility and a consistent history of pushing back against out-of-control growth. Since joining Council, I’ve questioned costs and voted against government overreach, wasteful spending or poorly planned projects — whether it was the regional park, facility improvements, Rise Lane, trail improvements, tire disposal costs, or large retail developments that make little sense. And yes, the chicken ordinance also made the list.
Out-of-control development has been reined in since I joined Council. I agree with the many people who have expressed concern that poor decisions have been made for more than 20 years in connection with our county’s growth - our area is dealing daily with the consequences of these decisions. We can't change what has happened. My focus has been on fixing the problems we inherited while also addressing their root causes, so we aren’t just treating symptoms but rather working towards a cure. This Transportation Tax Referendum may be one of the few ways to make meaningful progress on our infrastructure challenges — and ensure that those who use our roads, not just those who live here, help pay for them.
Next time you’re out shopping, take a look at the license plates in the parking lot — how many are from North Carolina? How many shoppers may be from South Carolina counties outside Lancaster? Those visitors use our infrastructure too, and this measure ensures they’re helping contribute to the cost of maintaining and improving it.
The referendum would also allow for widening and smarter road design, including creating perimeter lanes to connect developments and relieve congestion from all the individual ingress and egress points that currently back up traffic. These improvements are about safety, efficiency, and long-term planning — not just adding lanes.
It is important to remember, too, that Lancaster County residents receive a 1–2% credit back on their property tax bills through LOST, which helps offset our local sales tax rate. So even if the transportation penny passes, our overall taxes remain competitive with neighboring areas.
I understand why people want to have the state pay for the improvements needed for state roads - but I'm trying to get us likely solutions. The state is not likely to fund improvements without local support. SC has one of the largest state road systems, but a low revenue basis for roads. There simply isn't enough money for the state to do everything that should be done on all state roads. Additionally, we have more roads than just state roads in our county that need work and will benefit from this referendum.
I’ve reviewed the data, and I’m focused on real, long-term solutions. The truth is, even if we took the County’s entire annual operating budget and spent every dollar of it on roads, it still wouldn’t be enough to meet our infrastructure needs. That’s why Council is also reviewing impact fees without development exemptions, and we’ve even enacted a temporary moratorium to give us time to update the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO), which will help us manage growth.
Ultimately, I’m not here to tell you how to vote — I’m asking you to research and consider the issue and to make the best decision for our community. Use the tools available (AI makes it easier than ever to research), attend or watch Council meetings, and stay engaged. I've been honored to serve you on Council for almost three years now. Whatever happens with the vote, I will continue to be a strong advocate for us - the residents of Lancaster County.
