Georgetown County Council Meeting - August 4, 2026

Georgetown County Council held a special meeting on August 4, 2026. Council approved Ordinance 26-22 on second reading, 4–2, to impose a one-cent local-option sales and use tax and submit it to a countywide referendum. The public hearing drew no speakers. Discussion cited a rough estimate of $10 million in revenue, with approximately 71% returning to the county; about $7 million was discussed as potentially helping with property taxes. The remaining share was described as available for county spending at council’s discretion, including stormwater, infrastructure, public safety, or law enforcement. The county attorney said the ordinance could not earmark the funds for stormwater, but council could express an intent by resolution or allocate funds through a later budget decision.

Stormwater needs prompted discussion of the recently adopted budget and an estimated $1.2 million in public works equipment—including excavators, dump trucks, and pickups—for a stormwater crew. Staff said the equipment was funded through the budget’s capital planning, with some capital project activity reduced, and that long lead times could limit physical work until the equipment arrives; maintenance would continue. No new contract award or vendor selection was identified. Council also approved the agenda as amended to withdraw Ordinance 26-15 and took up a first reading of Ordinance 26-23, concerning through traffic on county-maintained portions of Turntable Road.