frequently asked questions
How long will we pay this tax?
The fifth York County Capital Projects Sales and Use Tax Program will be voted on by residents of York County on November 5, 2024. This is also known as the Pennies for Progress 5 Program. This program is a continuation of the previous 1-cent sales tax program passed by referendum in November 2017 and not an addition to the previous tax. If approved, the collections will begin on May 1, 2025, and is guaranteed to expire in 7 years.
What happens if the 2024 Pennies for Progress 5 Program tax generates more than the funds needed for the road projects?
The law governing the Pennies for Progress 5 Program requires the tax to remain for a specific period. In the event the revenues for this predetermined time exceed the estimated revenues for the program, then the excess funding would first be used to complete projects from the sales tax program.If there is still money left, the second option for the excess funding will be to fund projects from any new sales tax programs that may have been implemented. If there is still excess funding after these options, it will go towards the County's general fund.
Can the money generated by the tax be spent on anything other than roads listed on the ballot?
No. This is a county tax and not a state tax. As a result, all of the money collected will stay in York County and can only be spent on the road projects listed on the ballot.
What if I don’t trust politicians? Should I suspect that they will try to find some way to misuse the penny?
No, you can have confidence that each penny will go toward road construction. No elected official, or any governing body can legally take any action that could extend this tax or change what each penny is spent on.
Who determined what projects will be completed?
​The Capital Project Sales Tax Committee is an appointed group made up of 6 residents from York County. The committee gathered input from all areas in York County to develop the prioritized list of projects.
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Is this something the County Council can do regardless of the outcome of any public vote?
No. The only way that the Pennies for Progress 5 Program can be established is through a public referendum, approved by York County voters. The County Council's only authority is to put the question on the ballot to give everyone a chance to decide if the projects should be funded.
Who will pay the tax?
Anyone purchasing goods in York County will help fund the road work. A significant portion of the money will come from people who live outside York County. People from other places who visit, work or purchase goods and services in York County will help to contribute money to county roads through the tax.
Will this change the way any other exempt sales items are taxed?
No, if the item is currently exempt from sales tax, it will continue to be exempt.