The fate of a proposed one-cent sale sales tax was decided last night by Georgetown County Council.

Members voted 5-2 to approve third reading of an ordinance that would put the question to the voters in November’s election.

The ordinance passed its second reading in July by a vote of 5-2, with Council Members Bob Anderson and Ron Charlton voting “no.” They voted the same way Tuesday night.

In November a referendum will be held asking voters to decide whether to add a one percent sales tax. The money would be used to fund a variety of capital projects.

About 20 people spoke at Tuesday’s County Council meeting, with most saying they wanted the voters to be able to decide the issue in the referendum.

Party lines

The Georgetown County Democratic Party met on Monday night and voted to support County Council sending the measure to a referendum, said Nancy Kolman, party chairwoman.

The Democrats want county residents to decide, Kolman said.

The Georgetown County Republican Party executive committee voted last Thursday night to oppose the proposed sales tax increase, reaffirming the RNC and SCGOP platform in opposition to higher taxes.

“The Georgetown County Republican Party stands in firm opposition to any tax increase on citizens in this time of economic uncertainty and hardship for so many families in Georgetown County,” chairman Jim Jerow said.

“It is imperative that we stand together, be it at the local, state or national level to ensure government does not impede economic growth and prosperity. Raising taxes of any kind is not the answer.

“We must make government more efficient and work within its means, as all Georgetown County families have to in their own households.

“I am proud of what our party did on Thursday night and we stand with Republicans across the country in saying … enough is enough.”