By Molly Parker
Staff Writer

Goose Creek Mayor Michael Heitzler can sense the “growing angst” in Berkeley County as the expanding business and residential population puts a squeeze on area roads, causing gridlock in some locations.

“We can put our heads in the sand until we can’t get to work and daycare and can’t move around, or we can be progressive and try to get it done,” he said.

To get it done, the Berkeley County Chamber of Commerce is pushing for a November referendum that would ask citizens to approve a 1-cent sales tax increase for specific road projects throughout the county.

The tax would generate at least $112.5 million in seven years and then sunset, said Heitzler.

Along with state Sen. Paul Campbell, R-Goose Creek, Heitzler presented the proposal to Berkeley County Council recently on behalf of the chamber.

The council must give its blessing to put the referendum on the ballot. 

If approved, the sales tax in Berkeley County would increase from 7 cents to 8 cents, said Berkeley County Supervisor Dan Davis, who also supports the plan.

The sales tax, estimated to bring in between $15 million and $17 million a year, would go toward nine specific urban and rural road projects, from the long anticipated widening of U.S. Highway 17A to the paving of six dirt roads in Cross and Pineville. Another 32 road paving projects are on a prioritized list should there be money left over.

Over the years, Berkeley County has likely lost out on road funds because the state tends to favor counties that can match funds for projects, thereby stretching the coffers, Berkeley County officials said. Locally, both Charleston and Dorchester counties exercise the sales tax

option.

“We don’t feel in any way we’re competing, but we want to be on the same level playing field. We want to have some money we can match,” Heitzler said.

Elaine Morgan, CEO of the Berkeley Chamber of Commerce, said she hopes citizens understand why there is a need to raise taxes.

“Does the chamber want to add taxes to the residents or the business community? Absolutely not. However, do we want to make the roads safer for the people of Berkeley County? Absolutely,” she said. “We have to get people to and from work and our children to school safely.”

Molly Parker is a staff writer for the Business Journal. E-mail her at mparker@scbiznews.com.

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