A reasonable compromise

Memorials to loved ones who died in vehicle wrecks have long lined the state’s highways.

But they’re illegal, and some say a distracting safety hazard.

The state Department of Transportation has come up with a reasonable compromise: the department will allow immediate family members a standardized sign to honor loved ones killed in wrecks during the previous year on the state’s highways. The signs would cost $250, be installed by state highway workers and stay up for two years.

It’s illegal to put any sign in the right of way of a state highway, but with rare exception, officials have tended to turn their head when it comes to such memorials.

This solution allows families who feel a need to mark the site and honor a loved one the chance to do it. But they won’t put themselves at risk putting up the memorials or others at risk by putting up memorials that could become a safety hazard. ...

South Carolina isn’t the only state to install such signs. The Greenville News reports that many states put up signs at crash sites, some at family expense, and usually with a safe-driving message and the victim’s name, similar to what is planned here.

The cost and length of time the signs are up vary. Alaska puts up signs at no charge for 10 years. Texas charges $300 for signs, which are given to the family after a year. California charges $1,000 for signs for DUI victims only, which stay in place for seven years. South Carolina officials have worked out a good system. One could question the $250 charge, but state officials expect to just break even on the signs.

The “drive safely” message, with someone’s name prominently displayed, will reinforce that how we behave behind the wheel carries significant consequences.

And if it offers a grieving family some solace for a time, all the better.

The (Hilton Head) Island Packet

Tax-paying riddles

Most Americans’ tax confusion peaks during the traditionally frantic countdown to April 15. But many Palmetto State residents evidently have added frustration over the perplexities of South Carolina’s sales taxes.

For instance, according to the Aug. 3 Post and Courier, Roger Sterling of Summerville recently expressed “little things like that drive you crazy” aggravation about being charged three different tax rates while spending $17.50 at Walmart.

Our story reported:

“The state does not charge a sales tax on unprepared food, but a local government might. The state sales tax rate is 6 cents on the dollar for prepared food and items you don‘t eat purchased at a grocery store, such as paper plates or dish soap. In addition to that sales tax, local governments with voter approval can tack on extra pennies to pay for road projects or generate more cash for services.”

Thus, “the hodgepodge of rules means that a hot dog and a soda in one part of a grocery store can cost more in taxes than if the items are sitting on a shelf in another part of the store.”

Clear enough?

Another clarifying point: The more mixed up you are about how much tax you owe, the less likely you are to notice how much tax you pay.

And as elected officials at all levels debate tax proposals designed to alleviate proliferating budget crises, ponder this clearest tax truth of all:

The more government spends, the more taxpayers owe.

The (Charleston) Post and Courier