Bluffton Council initiates watershed management plan with McCormick Taylor partnership

The Bluffton Town Council meeting on January 14, 2025, focused on critical discussions regarding stormwater management and the drafting of new ordinances aimed at enhancing local environmental resilience. Council members reviewed a proposal for a significant project estimated to cost approximately $1.6 million, which will span multiple fiscal years due to the extensive nature of the watershed involved.

A key point of discussion was the need for an ordinance change to ensure proper maintenance of stormwater systems. Council members expressed concerns about the effectiveness of the proposed plans and emphasized the importance of addressing local environmental issues without merely checking off boxes. The council is looking to incorporate findings from drainage studies into the new ordinances to ensure they effectively manage the impacts of stormwater.

The council also discussed the selection of McCormick Taylor, a firm chosen for their expertise in stormwater services. They were noted for their previous work on the May River Watershed Action Plan, which provided them with valuable knowledge of local regulations. The selection process involved an internal expression of interest rather than a traditional bidding process, allowing for a more tailored approach to the project.

However, some council members raised concerns about the costs associated with contracting out the writing of ordinances, which could total around $25,425. They questioned the reliance on external firms for ordinance drafting when qualified staff could potentially handle these tasks. The council acknowledged the need for specialized expertise in this instance, citing the complexity of the legal aspects involved.

The discussion concluded with a commitment to ensure that this approach does not become a regular practice, emphasizing that such outsourcing should only occur when absolutely necessary. The council aims to create effective ordinances that will serve as a model for other communities facing similar environmental challenges.