[{"_1":2,"_109":-5,"_110":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_25":26},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_27":28,"_29":30},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[31,74,86,98],{"_32":33,"_34":35,"_36":37,"_38":39,"_40":41,"_42":43,"_44":45,"_46":47,"_48":49,"_50":51,"_52":53,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":59,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":65,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},"mediaId",6096327,"mediaKeyId","2833319-8b42a0e4730c457cdf8623f6f4cad54c","parentId",2833319,"title","Votes at a glance: Council approves two economic incentive ordinances, McCormick Taylor task order and budget amendment","audioSeconds",2706,"startMs",3783000,"endMs",6489000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2833319-8b42a0e4730c457cdf8623f6f4cad54c&start=3783&end=6489","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2833319-8b42a0e4730c457cdf8623f6f4cad54c/thumbnail_3783000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6096327/Bluffton/Beaufort-County/South-Carolina/Votes-at-a-glance-Council-approves-two-economic-incentive-ordinances-McCormick-Taylor-task-order-and-budget-amendment","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6096327-2f3c9dccfffb9f0c5f0a23ba7fcf0ed2/orig.mp4?Expires=1769836479&Signature=Ors9oF5FAs1QBznd8obudMGa9rXBoEs-EuRgrCQ~O5ZyUJXBOoyJYzAS7M-5gKo-ZUwBjJaJW4lPC8I~JocQmFZpt5AT3u9NWE-r35-YdrSXIVClUl6jslpLSmfjOHtHzFDOP4kUkD9x0-LrNoqWsEU~EIXvGv8qCnLDVKRV4mhPgQF9UzxUxFiftMtDlJa4P2SbWu-G2UTbxCwvmfoIFypFccEWErV5VHoZIkfRgqd2PLI4PqIEobJJuLEbRdfeQJXIYHcOGxu8yIRsOfu-qEz9Bz7xgYKJefKM3EpCUFga6Q~l6VNduV4eSnwVMfhz-Ma-gCrLS3vj8uufqyKs9Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Bluffton, SC","date","2025-01-14T00:00:00Z","article","The Bluffton Town Council recorded unanimous voice votes on several formal items during its Dec. 10 meeting.

Encompass Health / Project Sable (second and final reading)
The council approved second and final reading of an ordinance authorizing an economic development incentive agreement between the town and Encompass Health (referred to in staff materials as Project Sable/Compass Health). Staff reported no changes since first reading. The council recorded the motion and a unanimous voice vote.

CS Instruments USA Inc. (second and final reading)
Council approved second and final reading of an ordinance authorizing an economic development grant agreement with CS Instruments USA Inc. Staff said the company plans to convert a U.S. sales office into a U.S. headquarters and projected 13 jobs at an average salary cited in the presentation. Council discussed local hiring preferences; staff said they will emphasize training and efforts to hire Bluffton residents where feasible. The motion passed unanimously.

McCormick Taylor task authorization (wetlands and resilience)
Council authorized a task order to McCormick Taylor Inc. to perform mapping, data collection and draft wetland and resilience ordinances (see separate article for full discussion). Fiscal impact stated by staff was $174,004.55. The motion passed by unanimous voice vote.

Budget ordinance (FY2025 amendment)
The council approved a budget ordinance amendment for FY2025 that included a $500,000 increase to business license revenue moved to the CIP for land acquisition, $24,000 for tree remediation and $9,250 for a dump trailer; the consolidated budget figure cited was approximately $104 million. Council approved the ordinance on a unanimous voice vote.

Other consent and motions
The council approved the consent agenda and a resolution supporting Beaufort Memorial Hospital; those items were adopted unanimously, without recorded roll‑call tallies in the transcript.

Vote notes
All votes during the formal agenda were recorded as unanimous voice votes in the meeting transcript; exact roll‑call tallies and individual votes were not specified in the audio transcript provided.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Jan 14, 2025 Bluffton Town Council","oneSentenceSummary","On unanimous voice votes the Bluffton Town Council approved (1) an economic development incentive ordinance with Encompass Health (Project Sable/Compass Health), (2) an incentive ordinance for CS Instruments USA Inc., (3) the McCormick Taylor wetlands/resilience task authorization and (4) a FY2025 budget amendment.","taxTitle","Bluffton, Beaufort County, South Carolina","taxId",71072,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_32":75,"_34":35,"_36":37,"_38":76,"_40":77,"_42":78,"_44":79,"_46":80,"_48":81,"_50":82,"_52":83,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":84,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":85,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6096332,"Bluffton police mental‑health advocate reports rising referrals, partnerships with DNR and schools",392,2101000,2493000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2833319-8b42a0e4730c457cdf8623f6f4cad54c&start=2101&end=2493","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2833319-8b42a0e4730c457cdf8623f6f4cad54c/thumbnail_2101000.jpg","/articles/6096332/Bluffton/Beaufort-County/South-Carolina/Bluffton-police-mentalhealth-advocate-reports-rising-referrals-partnerships-with-DNR-and-schools","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6096332-311b8b4fa55310302c635d5bf71cad28/orig.mp4?Expires=1769836479&Signature=IFNU3HIwHHLYGWeGgPjqyGO8jK8EYnQGh0mPfCz1-omTC3MGnkXwOWFbLSh-kiWjh6Sp8kDxWjNRRyYnri8vbelRznT9J6RnVimCuqtMh9CPRjKuKWqCRy2eSXVvmV7GRCbHlm2gvY-w2YKF10IGDglMqifDheDNhVLZE7z62dlD0Rx87FtIQzT19Uf2VqNGc0WiaRcEhNWfXKw7x44wo4-qN8J9J8YxmRAD1-p0ek4zgAJYehcUgGM5W568sVBwAuKjnJwa4ic9T2s1xUHBnaPQjhfcVLUJLt95jibrcy-X93qh44l8n9QhaLFgvA1I3buYJfq-BVEPhd2M9fnl5w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Bluffton Police Department’s mental‑health advocate presented an annual update that showed a small increase in officer referrals and follow‑up work in 2024 and described expanded partnerships and initiatives.

The advocate said officer referrals rose from 99 (Feb 2023) to 108 (Feb 2024); follow‑ups increased from 227 to 240 and supplemental reports rose modestly (125 to 130). \"Overall, approximate numbers of people that were assisted... in 02/2024\" rose from about 95 to 125, the advocate said.

The presentation listed partnerships with the South Carolina Department of Mental Health (referred to in the presentation as Coastal Empire), an embedded law‑enforcement clinician, after‑hours crisis support, and local school counselors and social workers. The advocate described community outreach — including Shop with a Cop — and said roughly half or more of the people assisted were school‑age or young adults, though she said she did not have exact case‑level counts.

The advocate outlined internal support for officers, including implementation of the Cortico officer‑wellness app and plans to develop a peer‑support program. \"It's really great... it offers 24/7 support and connection for their wellness,\" she said of Cortico, adding that the app is being implemented with Sergeant Perkins.

Councilmembers praised the program’s community value and asked about licensure and school partnerships. The advocate said she has crisis‑intervention training and a psychology degree but is not a licensed professional counselor; she described working closely with community clinicians for cases requiring clinical license or emergency care.

Council members asked the advocate to return if additional authority or resources were needed. No formal action was taken; the presentation was informational.","The Bluffton Police Department mental‑health advocate reported a modest rise in officer referrals and follow-ups for 2024, described partnerships with South Carolina Department of Mental Health (Coastal Empire) and schools, and outlined plans for an officer wellness app and peer support.",{"_32":87,"_34":35,"_36":37,"_38":88,"_40":89,"_42":90,"_44":91,"_46":92,"_48":93,"_50":94,"_52":95,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":96,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":97,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6096336,"South Street Partners reports rising prices, new amenities and road work at Palmetto Bluff",593,467000,1060000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2833319-8b42a0e4730c457cdf8623f6f4cad54c&start=467&end=1060","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2833319-8b42a0e4730c457cdf8623f6f4cad54c/thumbnail_467000.jpg","/articles/6096336/Bluffton/Beaufort-County/South-Carolina/South-Street-Partners-reports-rising-prices-new-amenities-and-road-work-at-Palmetto-Bluff","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6096336-2a69e727af750eec32c689784f1edfd7/orig.mp4?Expires=1769836479&Signature=QFTDY4MZAO3~BRb2TaEYGzKbXeni-JEx26aTaHXwfZmuwl8CiZtBAy68djDsC45dQ9-kWy5aZANnLA-wv72yOYUqoA8xBlmQTql40ez3Qm5a5vWolkPjV1b0KXU8lJeJq~wP9MBSaj4IAphYBAzx0cpmdQ0Eda~0QVwVD8LuDQCRRJcvVvDLsmHDLWmoqLxYB1-SWpYd2yc-QQWyHPGqMuXjbLHbbUJCV98QT6eBAzN5z-aRlbSYdaXrcSadklCvxJvLLsxJIa3H-qObjDdmTz7SpI4wVyxZuz1RxGmIwsNsK9WiUW7nhAlOoJGSkCgrL4V4sgq1AU7L-8iEim5LCQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Will Howard, representing South Street Partners, told the Bluffton Town Council that 2024 was a strong year for Palmetto Bluff and outlined near‑term construction and amenity plans tied to the development agreement.

Howard said total sales volume for Palmetto Bluff in 2024 was about $384 million, driven primarily by resale homes. He reported 1,153 certificates of occupancy (COs) to date and roughly 380 additional homes either under construction or in review against permitted rights for 4,000 total homes under the development agreement. \"We are a little over 25% there,\" he said when asked about buildout progress.

Howard described upcoming projects including Block I (about 60 lots, some with a short‑term rental component), Blocks M6/M7 (about 36 lots in permitting, many with golf and inland‑waterway access), and long‑term Crossroads amenities — a central area proposed to host fitness, pool, athletic fields and family recreation. He said construction will start next month on the initial phases of the road to Anson that will bring permanent water and sewer to the Anson Marina; the full road is a multi‑year effort Howard estimated could finish in 2027.

Howard also discussed the Crossroads 9‑hole reversible golf course and a larger Hansen course being built with noted designers; he said the short‑term rental option is available to owners in areas that allow it and that owners often use VRBO/Airbnb or management companies, and some contract with Montage to operate rentals.

Councilmembers asked about how short‑term rentals would be governed and how many units remain to be built; Howard and a town staff member clarified entitlement numbers and said staff estimates about 5,000 total units remain to be permitted townwide when accounting for other areas. No formal action was taken — this was an information update required by the Palmetto Bluff development agreement.","Will Howard of South Street Partners gave the council an annual update on Palmetto Bluff development, citing $384 million in 2024 sales, 1,153 certificates of occupancy, new golf course and planned road and utility work to support Anson Marina and Crossroads amenities.",{"_32":99,"_34":35,"_36":37,"_38":100,"_40":101,"_42":102,"_44":45,"_46":103,"_48":104,"_50":105,"_52":106,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":107,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":108,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6096340,"Bluffton council authorizes $174,004 task order to draft wetlands and resilience ordinances",2419,4070000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2833319-8b42a0e4730c457cdf8623f6f4cad54c&start=4070&end=6489","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2833319-8b42a0e4730c457cdf8623f6f4cad54c/thumbnail_4070000.jpg","/articles/6096340/Bluffton/Beaufort-County/South-Carolina/Bluffton-council-authorizes-174004-task-order-to-draft-wetlands-and-resilience-ordinances","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6096340-462bb5be876ecd781417f31e37e3e121/orig.mp4?Expires=1769836479&Signature=e1xRgnBlV-kOiGbNVM6-GvZpv4l-19aiiMJdqcs5y9lJZHXzICyeBzVSdOhQKrBctTalDwIwya0AwsjDAcHEa7Bi~MroB1rI3xAJt0~l2H5AOoTP0pKH8Fy7LALqw0YNs3Az5rwi5dLJKbz1b5P0RrH8n06HDuwTpyVaHhyuqSyAp9iv8IkWsQqykqQF2DNdnCVLUNx9RwGKT7qWUQYuesuYeWbFpYnsXkMiqptWVVQH1VbVzN3bud-X8r13W3rHeIkjREbGUGOnj3SC0tIwVDPopvTDtd8N-ccz-S5V3VK~vHKF6y2vHSpru~v4GQRnj~NRmSyh~s92MyBjd27MOQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Bluffton Town Council voted unanimously to authorize the town manager to issue a task authorization to McCormick Taylor Inc. for $174,004.55 to inventory wetlands, map resilience zones and draft local wetlands and resiliency ordinances.

Town staff framed the request as a response to recent legal and scientific shifts. \"There is a regulatory gap that currently exists at federal level,\" said Kim Jones, a town staff member leading the presentation, referring to the U.S. Supreme Court Sackett decision and its effect on federal jurisdiction over wetlands. Jones described a seven-item scope that includes wetland inventory and mapping, applying the town's drainage-study outputs to resilience-zone mapping, and drafting ordinances.

The project stems from recommendations by the May River Watershed Action Plan Advisory Committee (WAPAC). \"We urge council to approve the scope of work with McCormick Taylor to develop wetland and resilience ordinances,\" said Jessie White, South Coast office director for the Coastal Conservation League, during public comment in support of the work. Jones said preliminary Natural Resources work shows the town lost roughly 513 acres of wetlands within a 20‑year period and that the mapping and data collection are the cost drivers of the task order.

Council members pressed staff on process, procurement and scope. Several council members asked why consultants would draft the ordinance language rather than relying entirely on in‑house staff. Jones and other staff said the scientific and legal complexity — and the town's position at the forefront of municipal responses after the Sackett decision — made outside technical help necessary and that pro bono legal support from environmental law groups would be used alongside the consultant work. The consultant budget includes a line for ordinance drafting; staff said the two ordinance writeups total $25,425 of the $174,004.55 fee, with the remainder for mapping and data collection.

Staff estimated a 6–12 month timeline for the work, with public comment and legal review anticipated before final adoption. Jones said the effort will be coordinated with the town's drainage and resiliency studies so the outputs can inform stormwater and development rules.

After discussion the motion to authorize the task order passed unanimously.

The new work is intended to close regulatory gaps at the federal and state level, map locally significant wetlands and resilience zones, and produce draft ordinances the council could later consider for adoption. If adopted, staff said the ordinance and mapping would be used to guide permitting and future restoration priorities.","The Bluffton Town Council unanimously authorized a $174,004.55 task authorization to engineering firm McCormick Taylor to inventory wetlands, map resilience zones and draft wetland and resiliency ordinances after WAPAC and conservation groups urged action following the U.S. Supreme Court's Sackett decision and local wetland losses.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: Council approves two economic incentive ordinances, McCormick Taylor task order and budget amendment

Bluffton police mental‑health advocate reports rising referrals, partnerships with DNR and schools

South Street Partners reports rising prices, new amenities and road work at Palmetto Bluff

Bluffton council authorizes $174,004 task order to draft wetlands and resilience ordinances