City Council approves $2.25M for prioritized public safety projects including Boyd Street sidewalk

The Hardeeville City Council meeting on December 12, 2024, focused on budget allocations for upcoming infrastructure projects, with significant discussions surrounding the use of reserve funds and prioritization of safety-related initiatives.

During the meeting, council members addressed the allocation of $2,252,895 for various projects, emphasizing the importance of utilizing unspent funds from the previous fiscal year. These funds had rolled into a reserve account, and the council discussed the possibility of amending the budget to access these resources for current projects. The discussion highlighted the need for a careful approach to budgeting, with members expressing a desire to negotiate with contractors to maximize the impact of the available funds.

A key point of contention was the prioritization of projects, particularly the Boyd Street sidewalk, which was noted for its safety implications. Council members agreed that this project should be expedited due to the lack of a sidewalk, which poses risks for pedestrians. The council confirmed that the Boyd Street project would be the first to commence, followed by other initiatives on the prioritization list, including the Hardeeville Recreation Center parking lot.

The council ultimately passed a motion to approve the budget allocation with the specified prioritization, ensuring that safety concerns were addressed promptly. The meeting concluded with a commitment to revisit the budget and project timelines to ensure effective implementation of the approved plans.