2004 Half-Cent Sales Tax Referendum

In the fall of 2004, Charleston County voters approved a half-cent sales tax on purchases made within the County for twenty-five (25) years, or until $1.3 billion is collected. The intent of the sales tax is to fund the costs of highways, roads, streets, bridges, and other transportation-related projects and drainage facilities. The sales tax also funds mass transit systems operated by the Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA) (opens in new window).

Together, no more than $1,081,788,800.00 shall be used for these projects and purposes. The remaining $221,571,200.00 collected shall be used for financing the cost of the Greenbelt Program. Collection for the sales tax began in May 2005, and since then has funded the completion of eleven bonded projects and over 200 annual allocation projects. View the 2004 Half-Cent Sales Tax referendum (PDF opens in new window)

The 2004 Sales Tax Referendum included the distribution of $113 million in general obligation bonds. In November 2006, Charleston County citizens approved a second bond referendum allowing an additional $205 million of general obligation bonds. View the 2006 Bond referendum (PDF opens in new window)

Department Progression

During the beginning stages of the Transportation Sales Tax Program, Charleston County contracted with a program consultant due to the County's lack of necessary staff to manage large transportation projects. Between 2004 and 2009, the county expanded their registered engineering professionals and inspection staff. With the acquisition of qualified staff and the approval of County Council, Charleston County transitioned the management of the Sales Tax Program to the newly formed Public Works Department in 2009.

In the fall of 2019, Public Works merged with the Charleston County Public Works department. The Public Works Transportation Program manages projects of local and regional significance, as well as allocation and rural roads funded by the approved half-cent sales tax.

2016 Half-Cent Sales Tax Referendum

In November 2016, the citizens of Charleston County voted to add a second half-cent sales tax. The passing of this ordinance adds an additional half-cent to purchases made within the County beginning May 2017 for twenty-five (25) years, or until $2.1 billion is collected. The second referendum also splits funding between transportation improvements and the Greenbelt Program, where $1,890,000,000.00 will be collected for transportation-related projects and mass transit and $210,000,000.00 will finance the cost of greenbelts. View the 2016 Half-Cent Sales Tax referendum (PDF opens in new window)

American Public Works Association

In 2013, Charleston County's Public Works and Facilities Departments went through the American Public Works Association's (APWA) accreditation process. By completing the APWA accreditation procedures, the previously listed departments received formal recognition for their compliance to the Public Works Management Practices Manual. APWA accreditation demonstrates these department's commitment to:

• Create an impetus for organization self-improvement and stimulate general raising of standards
• Offer a voluntary evaluation and education program rather than government regulated activity
• Recognize good performance and provide motivation to maintain and improve performance
• Improve public works performance and the provision of services
• Increase professionalism
• Instill pride among agency staff, elected officials and the local community

In early 2025, Public Works was re-accredited by the APWA. This certification is good for four (4) years, until 2029. Visit the APWA for more information (opens in new window)