Georgetown County to host informational sessions on proposed Local Option Sales Tax ahead of November 3 vote

Georgetown County officials are launching a series of public education events across the community this month to provide voters with essential facts regarding the proposed Local Option Sales Tax (LOST). The tax proposal will officially appear on the November 3 ballot, giving local residents the opportunity to decide on a 1% sales and use tax measure.

The informational sessions—which include community presentations and drop-in format meetings throughout the county—are designed to give taxpayers direct access to county staff, outline how the tax would be collected and distributed, and clarify its projected impact on local property taxes and county services. 

Key Details of the Proposal

• The Tax Structure: If approved by voters, the measure would add 1 cent to every dollar spent on goods subject to sales tax starting in May 2027.

• Exemptions: Unprepared grocery items, prescription drugs, and other items currently exempt from South Carolina’s 6% state sales tax would remain fully exempt from the additional 1% tax.
• Revenue Allocation: Under South Carolina law, up to 71% of the generated revenue is legally mandated to go directly toward property tax rollbacks for primary and secondary residences, vehicles, and taxable personal property. The remaining 29% may be allocated for county and municipal operations, infrastructure projects, or additional tax relief.
• Shifting the Burden: County officials project the tax could generate around $10 million annually. A key objective of the measure is shifting a portion of the tax burden to non-residents, tourists, and visitors who utilize local infrastructure and public services.

Event Dates & Locations

September 9 at 6 pm                                       Choppee Recreation Center
September 10 from 9 am – 3 pm                   Murrells Inlet Community Center
September 14 at 6 pm                                     Lambertown Community Center
September 24 at 6 pm                                    Andrews Recreation Center
September 26 at 3 pm                                    D9 Greek Festival at Mike Johnson Park

County staff will be on hand at all scheduled public roadshow stops to share data, discuss the tax mechanics, and answer individual questions. For more information, visit the county’s dedicated Local Option Sales Tax webpage(opens in new tab).