Beaufort County advisory panel outlines goals, urges clear outreach for 2026 transportation tax referendum

The Transportation Advisory Committee in Beaufort County introduced its 15-member panel and urged clear, localized outreach about a proposed 2026 transportation sales-tax referendum, officials said.

"The Transportation Advisory Committee is comprised of 15 members that represent all 11 districts in Beaufort County as well as the City Of Beaufort, Town of Port Royal, Town of Bluffton, and the Town Of Hilton Head Island," the Moderator said, summarizing the committee's makeup. The Moderator said members were chosen for community engagement and to protect the county while prioritizing transportation investments.

Joseph Klein, introduced by the Moderator, described his experience as a long-time local official. "I've served on this committee before, and I I'm glad for the opportunity because the amount of, my background," Klein said. "I did serve as a county councilman for about 20 years, and I served as a local magistrate for about nearly the same amount of time." He said that long involvement gives him knowledge of the county's areas and needs, particularly in northern Beaufort County, and noted he participated in decisions as Bluffton and Hilton Head developed.

Klein and the Moderator pressed that any referendum proposal must show clear, local benefits. "Our local residents have to absorb the impact of growth, be it good, bad, or indifferent," Klein said, arguing that voters in each area must be able to "see something to benefit them where they live" before they will back a referendum.

The committee emphasized transparency and communication, suggesting information be made available in local libraries and other accessible places so voters can review referendum contents ahead of a vote. The Moderator directed the public to beaufortcountypenny.com for details on the committee and the proposed 2026 tax referendum.

No formal motion or vote was recorded in the transcript provided. The discussion focused on committee purpose, members' experience and outreach strategies for the proposed referendum.