Charleston County is holding public input meetings this month to gather feedback on the future of the Transportation Sales Tax program, the half-cent levy that has funded road improvements, intersection upgrades, and greenway projects across the county since voters first approved it in 2004.

The meetings come as officials weigh whether to ask voters to extend the tax when its current authorization expires. The program has generated hundreds of millions of dollars for transportation infrastructure that would otherwise compete with other county priorities for general fund spending.

County Council recently approved Transportation Sales Tax funding for 10 new Greenbelt projects, using a portion of the tax dedicated to conservation and recreation. These projects add protected green space along with trail connections that serve both recreation and transportation purposes.

The public meetings will allow residents to comment on project priorities, suggest new initiatives, and weigh in on whether the tax should continue at all. Some taxpayers question whether the program has delivered sufficient value, pointing to persistent traffic congestion despite years of investment.

Supporters argue that conditions would be far worse without the dedicated funding stream. Major projects like the reconstruction of Highway 61 and improvements to the Glenn McConnell Parkway corridor have been funded largely through the transportation tax.

The political dynamics of tax extension votes have shifted in recent years. What once passed easily now faces skepticism from voters wary of government spending and frustrated by the pace of project completion.

Officials must decide not only whether to seek renewal but at what rate and for how long. Previous authorizations have typically run for 25 years, providing long-term funding certainty for major projects.

The December meetings will be held at locations throughout the county, with times and locations posted on the county government website.