[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"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","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_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,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6248199,"mediaKeyId","3211952-978c7edda32762bf7ba5093583a6a860","parentId",3211952,"title","Votes at a glance: Beaufort County Council actions April 14, 2025","audioSeconds",2220,"startMs",10903000,"endMs",13123000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3211952-978c7edda32762bf7ba5093583a6a860&start=10903&end=13123","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3211952-978c7edda32762bf7ba5093583a6a860/thumbnail_10903000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6248199/Beaufort-County/South-Carolina/Votes-at-a-glance-Beaufort-County-Council-actions-April-14-2025","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6248199-c47dc41ba6cf065b26bb0573033186b5/orig.mp4?Expires=1771164648&Signature=mSwWD9-ciICzWYmRaItDiQzA1EoKqWWVb~8Y12UAtVa6vwXZFRHY1Ix27CaDoWTQAfNIth9RK9kHmVZqD4vFlu2OZDX0oiqPArY3V4R0ZOQuRgfoamZyp2GfE2vGXzHdbfUlorMqqx6CnpRDSOZu6RMpL1hmLbqQuysdD8gUwzox60J1qUYJfxYw~w6J-OsTmrCpRlrmTJ1WFnieAH~fh3FvGiFGx3p0waeVATnel2DYPQvz-UaQtTJF~h-VCUPjf-McJNRvO3mzj1twL8gU9ccVep5QUGtn8SMZQGzc3WFSIWoXa2bTVLWLtzI8e5wFk9FrLlDJ1vzdVQsRVl3EGw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","BCTV","date","2025-04-15T01:10:46Z","article","Beaufort County Council recorded multiple formal actions and votes on April 14. Key outcomes were: a council decision on COLA distribution, approval of an intergovernmental agreement for a Port Royal splash pad (see separate article), and a series of ordinances and resolutions approved on third reading or first reading as listed below.

Summary of recorded actions and outcomes

- COLA distribution: Council adopted a flat‑dollar distribution equivalent to the budgeted 3% pool: $1,885 for full‑time and $943 for part‑time employees. Outcome: approved (roll‑call 7 yes, 2 no, 1 abstain). See separate article.

- Port Royal splash pad IGA: Council authorized the county administrator to execute an intergovernmental agreement allowing the town to donate a splash pad to county park land and the county to assume annual maintenance costs (estimated $30,000/year). Outcome: approved (roll‑call 9 yes, 1 no).

- Daufuskie Island text amendment (Ordinance 2025/19): Third‑reading approval to permit animal services clinic/hospital in D‑2 Rural under the Daufuskie community development code. Outcome: approved (vote by show of hands recorded in meeting; vote count not specified in transcript).

- Cherokee Farms right‑of‑way acceptance (Ordinance 2025/13): Third‑reading approval authorizing the county administrator to accept right‑of‑way for Cherokee Farms Road tied to a 2014 development agreement. Outcome: approved (vote count not specified).

- Lease agreements (Ordinances 2025/14, 2025/15, 2025/16): Third‑reading approvals authorizing lease agreements with Biggs State Jenkins Community Center, Young Men’s Social Club and South Pine Ladies Union, and Dale Lobeco Community Center for specified county properties. Outcome: approved (vote counts not specified).

- Airport wildlife management policy (Resolution 2025/18): County adopted the airport wildlife management policy for safety at county airports. Outcome: approved (unanimous by show of hands).

- Economic development land purchase (Resolution 2025/17): County approved the Beaufort County Economic Development Corporation’s request to purchase 14.77 acres at 134 Parker Drive for economic development; staff explained the site is high and dry and may be suitable for 60,000–80,000 square feet of industrial or commercial development. Outcome: approved (one recorded opposed: Councilmember David Bartholomew).

- Bond‑related budget amendment (Ordinance 2025/20): First reading to amend the FY2025 budget to align with the county’s 2025 bond issuance and project list; public hearing scheduled April 28. Outcome: first reading approved; public hearing set.

- Solid waste enterprise repeal (Ordinance 2025/21): First reading to repeal the 2021 ordinance that established a Solid Waste and Recycling enterprise fund and return operations to the general fund; public hearing set for April 28. Outcome: first reading approved.

- Drainage easement abandonments (Ordinances 2025/22 and 2025/23): First reading approvals to abandon certain recorded drainage easements where the county no longer needs them; public hearing set for April 28. Outcome: first reading approved.

Notes: Several items were first readings that set public hearings for April 28. For third‑reading ordinances where the meeting transcript recorded a vote, the article notes approval; where the transcript did not capture a roll‑call tally the vote count is reported as not specified.

Ending: Staff will carry forward the approved items for implementation (lease signings, deed recording, budget updates and IGA finalization) and will return routine reports to applicable committees.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Beaufort County Council Meeting 6 PM - April 14, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Council approved several ordinances, leases and resolutions on April 14, including third readings on multiple lease/abandonment items, a budget amendment first reading and a purchase for economic development; council also approved airport wildlife policy and other routine items.","taxTitle","Beaufort County, South Carolina","taxId",5067,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6248204,"Beaufort County approves intergovernmental agreement to maintain Port Royal splash pad despite ARPA questions",1051,10726000,11777000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3211952-978c7edda32762bf7ba5093583a6a860&start=10726&end=11777","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3211952-978c7edda32762bf7ba5093583a6a860/thumbnail_10726000.jpg","/articles/6248204/Beaufort-County/South-Carolina/Beaufort-County-approves-intergovernmental-agreement-to-maintain-Port-Royal-splash-pad-despite-ARPA-questions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6248204-c433dca51a7d2055ebceb7d5f98e813b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771164648&Signature=Xq1rwR1BJdx5v-E~vSPetB7nt5BMO97YDDAcvpEbAJgK29UOesRxTT1hNnXYm8DNj8jPi4V5sOQFNfsniJoM2yvDYaPlNh1XRVwTs2ehEHN~isEb31wV9yJjbppwHfgGR4qXYwr4t5jjdE5GCHsSBlwLxnHLeyQdAL8ndTIRjTRshOR5WIgU2DbLjRQbI9BQ5E5hf5YEXEvWsT7CprGwsrveThzKa46fCdeeBV1OS2m7xw0hClQq4r-BeDNXBCRKZ3Jeoe1R6q~~O9jf5ckhwMaaUl1511bJHC5IVE-LNLVznwD59dK8qLpWok3~iukuxNDKVwD2BIh8DX7Dpgl9ig__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Beaufort County Council voted April 14 to enter an intergovernmental agreement with the Town of Port Royal under which the county will assume annual maintenance costs for a splash pad the town is purchasing and installing on county‑owned park property adjacent to an accessible playground.

Why it matters: The splash pad will serve families across multiple communities but sparked debate when one councilmember raised questions about whether the town had informed the U.S. Treasury of its plan and whether the intergovernmental paperwork was executed before the Treasury’s year‑end obligation deadline for ARPA funds.

The Town of Port Royal told council it contracted for the splash pad using its ARPA allocation and sought legal review before proceeding. Port Royal Mayor Kevin Phillips said town leaders signed the construction contract in late 2024 and that outside municipal counsel had reviewed compliance. Eric Brown, Beaufort County parks director, told council the county’s only ongoing cost under the proposed agreement would be an annual maintenance and water cost estimated at $30,000.

Council debate focused on ARPA compliance and timing. Councilmember Paula Brown reported she had spoken with a U.S. Treasury official who told her some government‑to‑government contracts would be acceptable but that the Treasury obligation deadline for some ARPA reporting was Dec. 31, 2024. Port Royal and county staff said the town obligated its ARPA funds by contract before that date and that the county’s role is a subsequent maintenance agreement, not a use of county ARPA funds.

Chair Alice Howard called for a roll‑call vote after extended discussion. The motion to approve the intergovernmental agreement carried 9 in favor, 1 opposed (Councilmember David Bartholomew) and no abstentions.

Implementation and next steps: Under the agreement the town will fund construction and donation of the splash pad; the county will be responsible for annual operation and maintenance costs (estimated at $30,000 per year). County staff said they would return to the finance committee with implementation details and to adjust facility maintenance budgets accordingly.

Ending: Supporters said the splash pad will add an ADA‑accessible amenity used by families from across the island communities; critics urged caution and requested documentation of Treasury reporting and legal advice to guard against any future compliance questions.","Council approved an intergovernmental agreement with the Town of Port Royal to assume ongoing maintenance costs for a splash pad the town is funding with its ARPA allocation; the motion passed 9–1 after public discussion and questions about ARPA reporting and compliance.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6248209,"Beaufort County Council approves flat dollar COLA equivalent in 3% budget envelope",1043,7960000,9003000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3211952-978c7edda32762bf7ba5093583a6a860&start=7960&end=9003","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3211952-978c7edda32762bf7ba5093583a6a860/thumbnail_7960000.jpg","/articles/6248209/Beaufort-County/South-Carolina/Beaufort-County-Council-approves-flat-dollar-COLA-equivalent-in-3-budget-envelope","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6248209-19c49f2049ecc46026fb1f9261462c4a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771164648&Signature=GifbMy~sjwVJSQlcweZgWkBUuabzuiIPg5Bo8aevVNyFT1SeuWtIy-0hTyUZrjQPyRiVO6rLQW9qzPaOQCYemaVIaNmfhEREtIcLXvXyJTaGVGKSgl-eeYnEBLUHdJMeQJ1vYGQTsvat2-VBMxGBNxBMbS8OOy681-c~e5tXw5YZo~GMiNHbBIZsZGjpvztrLcLTpcWcajpYp6RqypSpOWeIw9bFVHv7LHz6CydESfxf5kFHdmoHcd5u1PUVHlsljLhRCYt7EllkNPbBsy1Ut-75sJP1CH8FPS0OScyiWEbNGx5DU1Nw7N~ZDQHmZOEiDVKC-OkzyP8YJP4BMDbZlw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Beaufort County Council voted April 14 to distribute the fiscal‑year 2026 cost‑of‑living adjustment pool as a flat-dollar increase rather than by percentage. The council approved a flat amount equivalent to the 3% cost set in the budget: $1,885 for full‑time employees and $943 for part‑time employees.

Why it matters: Council members said a flat-dollar approach directs more dollars to lower‑paid employees, while staff warned that changing from a percent to flat amounts requires line‑by‑line budget edits and additional committee work before final budget readings.

County Administrator Moore and finance staff told the council that a 3% across‑the‑board COLA equals $2,240,509 for positions covered by the county’s class and comp plan. Staff said distributing that total as flat dollars would preserve the same overall budget total but require reworking salary line items across roughly 48 departments.

Council debate centered on equity and logistics. Councilman Logan Cunningham and others argued a flat amount better serves lower‑paid employees; others, including one council member who preferred a 3% approach, said percent increases are easier to administer and apply equally by salary band. Councilman Larry McAllen proposed a round figure ($2,000 full time / $1,000 part time) for clarity; the final adopted amounts reflect the staff calculation equivalent to 3% given current headcount and vacancies.

How the council voted: The amendment to set $1,885 for full‑time employees and $943 for part‑time employees was adopted by roll call. Council recorded the result as seven votes in favor, two opposed and one abstention. Staff noted the county had already built the 3% assumption into draft FY2026 budget materials and that switching to the flat distribution would require schedule adjustments for finance and committee review.

Implementation details: Staff said the flat increase will be applied to salary schedules and starting pay bands; vacancies and funded positions were included in the staff cost calculation. Council and staff also discussed using a combined approach in future years (e.g., base flat increase plus merit/step adjustments), and staff said a compensation study and merit‑based framework would be pursued for FY2027.

Ending: County staff will implement the council direction and adjust departmental salary and wage line items for subsequent committee and reading schedules.","Council voted to distribute the approved 3% cost‑of‑living pool as a flat dollar increase—$1,885 for full‑time employees and $943 for part‑time—after debate over equity and budget timing; vote passed with 7 yes, 2 no, 1 abstain.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6248214,"Residents, tribal representative and developers debate Pine Island plan and CPO protections",889,5813000,6702000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3211952-978c7edda32762bf7ba5093583a6a860&start=5813&end=6702","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3211952-978c7edda32762bf7ba5093583a6a860/thumbnail_5813000.jpg","/articles/6248214/Beaufort-County/South-Carolina/Residents-tribal-representative-and-developers-debate-Pine-Island-plan-and-CPO-protections","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6248214-f10e644021451d791da70d0e08df040c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771164648&Signature=lDxPrNkvozH982aBWwj4y9T0-Ql~QZXrXtvvalcuui6ZzHT3H-02zkKw~jCY2HaxxQJcbnChmn6sc5oBgaYTvK8sjw-4awmYCnk4byYhryGaaV03eOMjsrAb~xBZ6vt~OCgQRfn83T6GnsP~StbjncNrzbdfjqhJCD9fPhAevKx5CqY3XUUuBoNBr2CY1LMLDz63Dp2Q5-5q3LC40FBfGmOwMCpj9U00VvseEjJyHJ6mzlbmiZXZhSYko1fBAxdisQZ7uHoqK96BlwV7c32I~4e1bMUs7jmaYdxN1RtQ81SO-zg-yrQ79B2xoMgXYH1gmugW08ZZQrjXtkpxm6S-Ug__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Dozens of residents, community leaders and a tribal representative urged Beaufort County Council on April 14 to reject any carve-outs to the Conservation Protection Overlay on Pine Island and to preserve protections for Saint Helena Island.

Speakers described the CPO as essential to protecting Gullah Geechee culture and local livelihoods, and the Yemassee tribal representative said the tribe has statutory claims that require formal consultation. Supporters of a developer-backed downzoning told the council the plan would reduce housing density and impervious surface compared with what current zoning would allow.

Why it matters: Speakers said the dispute will affect the cultural survival of Saint Helena and the livelihoods of fishers and crabbers, and could set a precedent for future development on other sea islands.

Robert New, of Wallace Landing Retreat, said the CPO has “protected the island from the onslaught of golf course developers” and accused Pine Island proponents of seeking a “Greenway giveaway” that would carve out an exception. “Will the people of Beaufort County, through their representatives, betray the future of Saint Helena for 30 pieces of silver?” New asked.

Several residents raised practical concerns. Carrie Major, a Saint Helena native, said construction “will affect” her husband’s crabbing business and pleaded for more recreational facilities for children instead of high‑end development.

Representatives allied with the developer argued the proposed plan is a permanent downzoning compared with existing entitlements. Kevin Dukes, a real estate attorney speaking for the developer, told council the plan would convert land that could host “a hundred houses 60 feet from the water” into open space and a golf‑course parcel, and would reduce the number of allowable docks by roughly 90 percent. Dukes said the plan would yield community benefits including a donated community center site and ongoing funding mechanisms tied to future sales.

A tribal representative speaking for the Yemassee (Yamasee) nation said the tribe has “original title” claims under a 1707 statute at large of South Carolina and demanded formal consultation and a halt to further planning until consultation is completed. The representative argued that substituting Gullah Geechee consultation for formal tribal consultation is “not inclusive.”

Other public commenters split: Craig Reeves and several residents urged council to review the developer’s written offers and consider the proposal’s lower density and potential community benefits, while a number of long‑time island residents urged the council to preserve the strengthened CPO language that they said expressly bans golf courses and gated resort development.

No final land‑use decision was recorded during the April 14 meeting. The council heard public comment and committee updates on planning items but did not take a final vote on Pine Island rezoning at this session.

Ending: The Pine Island controversy is expected to return to county review in subsequent hearings; speakers asked the council to sustain the CPO and to ensure formal tribal consultation before approving any changes that might affect cultural and historic resources.","Dozens of public commenters and a tribal representative urged Beaufort County Council to uphold the Conservation Protection Overlay and consult tribes, while developers and supporters argued a downzoning with a golf-course parcel would reduce overall density and environmental impact.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: Beaufort County Council actions April 14, 2025

Beaufort County approves intergovernmental agreement to maintain Port Royal splash pad despite ARPA questions

Beaufort County Council approves flat dollar COLA equivalent in 3% budget envelope

Residents, tribal representative and developers debate Pine Island plan and CPO protections