Election Day: Dorchester County, S.C., voters approve a one-cent education sales tax for schools, 59.96% to 40.04%, WCIV reports

L2Who’s affected

Who's affected: Shoppers and families in Dorchester County. “85% of the revenue will go to Dorchester School District Two, while the remaining 15% will go to Dorchester School District Four.” (WCIV). “Groceries, personal hygiene products, medications and gas are exempt from the education sales tax, according to state law.” (Journal Scene). DD2 Superintendent Chad Daugherty said “a typical family in Dorchester County will pay about $143 a year.” (Journal Scene).

L3Why it’s quiet

Analysis · OVERLOOKED A county school-tax referendum decided on a night dominated by Senate, House and governor calls. We found it reported by Charleston-area TV and newspapers only.

L4Deeper impact

Deeper impact: “The decision comes as both school districts face challenges tied to population growth, overcrowded classrooms and aging buildings.” (WCIV). “90% will fund capital improvement projects, and 10% will go toward reducing existing school bond debt and providing property tax relief.” (WCIV). “School districts cannot use the revenue to fund operations or teacher and staff salaries.” (Journal Scene). In District Four, plans include “replacing aging elementary schools in St. George and Ridgeville and expanding Woodland High School.” (WCIV). Revenue estimates differ by source: WCIV says “The tax is projected to generate approximately $692 million over 15 years, according to estimates from the South Carolina Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Office.” (WCIV); the Journal Scene describes “an 85/15 split of revenue, which is projected to be $688.2 million.” (Journal Scene).

L5Full context

Full context: “This was the first time the Dorchester County School District brought the sales tax question to voters. They previously were not eligible to do so.” (The Post and Courier). The county's sales tax becomes “8 percent, which breaks down as 6 percent imposed by the state, 1 percent for county roads and 1 percent for schools.” (Journal Scene). “Elections Director Kizzie Scott said more than 53,000 people had already cast their ballots by 3 p.m. Tuesday, including more than 36,000 early voters.” (WCIV), when “nearly half of the county's more than 118,000 registered voters had participated.” (WCIV). “The referendum results remain unofficial until they are certified.” (WCIV).

You’ve reached the bottom. Read the original reporting below.