<b>Sales tax commission decides list of projects</b>

Beaufort County’s Capital Project Sales Tax Commission has chosen the projects that could appear on November’s ballot.

During the commission’s June 4 meeting, the six members voted for 21 projects that will cost a little more than $221M. The commissioners also decided the 1 percent sales tax, if passed, will last eight years or until all $221M is collected, whichever occurs first.

“This was a good process and one which all the commissioners took very seriously. I believe we chose a list of projects that take into account the health, wellness and safety of those living in and visiting Beaufort County,” said Commission Chairman Craig Forrest.

Beaufort County Council must now vote for or against the list and language. If they agree, the final list of projects and ballot language must be sent to the Beaufort County Board of Elections by August 15 to be placed on the November ballot.

The final list of projects can be viewed at the Beaufort County’s website www.bcgov.net under the Capital Project Sales Tax Commission slider.

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<b>Property </b><b>tax exemption available for military</b>

Active military given orders outside of Beaufort County are now able to receive the 4 percent property tax rate while renting out their homes due to a bill Gov. Nikki Haley recently signed.

In the past, when members of the military moved outside Beaufort County and rented their home, they were taxed at the non-primary residence rate of 6 percent. However, due to this recent legislation, active military whose home was assessed at 4 percent and are given orders outside the county for a period of one year or longer are now eligible for the primary residence rate of 4 percent.

This new exemption will be in effect for the tax year 2014, but since it is a mid-tax year enactment, the Beaufort County Assessor’s office will accept applications on or before Jan. 15, 2015.

<b>Executive director of Penn Center resigns</b>

On Friday, June 6 the Penn Center Board of Trustees voted to accept the resignation of Michael A. Campi as Penn Center’s Executive Director. Mr. Campi served in that capacity since June 2013 at the center on St. Helena Island; he tendered his resignation citing personal obligations.
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