Sales-tax extension approved in Aiken

AIKEN - With 64 of 77 precincts counted, 60 percent of voters Tuesday favored an extension of Aiken County's 1-cent sales tax, which is supposed to generate $114 million in less than seven years.

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Revenue from the tax would pay for improvements such as paved roads, recreation facilities and community centers throughout the county and its 10 cities. It is supposed to start as soon as the current tax expires, likely sometime in early 2006.

Several county and city leaders rallied behind the tax because of the number of needed improvements in Aiken County, such as new ambulances and EMS stations.

A vast majority of voters across South Carolina also voted in favor of a constitutional amendment that will allow state lawmakers to do away with the 2-ounce minibottles of liquor served in bars.

A second amendment, which would allow lawmakers to change the number of shareholders a corporation can have and still receive a 4 percent property tax assessment on agricultural land, appeared on its way to defeat.

Reach Josh Gelinas at (803) 648-1395 or scbureau@augustachronicle.com.

Ballot Questions

CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT QUESTIONS1. Should it be amended so bars and restaurants can serve liquor out of bottles bigger than 2 ounces?

Yes 597,976

No 423,9672.

Should it be amended to allow the General Assembly to change the maximum number of shareholders a corporation can have to receive a four percent property tax assessment on agricultural land?

Yes 383,387

No 600,017

1,576 of 2,063 precincts reporting

AIKEN COUNTY QUESTION

1. Should the county extend its 1-cent sales tax another seven years, bringing in an estimated $114 million in cash?

Yes 28,501

No 19,355

64 of 77 of precincts reporting

--From the Wednesday, November 3, 2004 printed edition of the Augusta Chronicle