Committee forwards Port Royal splash-pad intergovernmental agreement after extended discussion; one objection noted

The Public Facilities Committee voted to forward an intergovernmental agreement (IGA) with the Town of Port Royal that would allow the town to purchase, install and donate a splash pad at the Bruce Edgar Lee Field county park. Committee members engaged in extended questioning about ARPA procurement, timing, long-term maintenance costs and liability.

Mayor Deckard spoke during the citizen-comment portion and raised concerns about the Park project’s procurement history and intergovernmental coordination. “As I understand it, if an ARPA obligation involves two governments, an intergovernmental agreement must be in place prior to the deadline of Dec. 31, 2024,” Mayor Deckard said, and asked for documentation the town had submitted to Treasury and the county’s records concerning vendor selection and liability.

County staff (presenting the IGA) said the splash pad is being purchased using the Town of Port Royal’s ARPA allocation and that the town followed its procurement policies. Staff explained the splash pad will be donated to the county at completion and certificate of occupancy, and that because the splash pad will be county property, the county will carry operation and maintenance responsibilities and cover water costs. Staff said the facility is non-recirculating (no pumps or filters), which reduces maintenance complexity, and provided an annual operating estimate of $25,000 to $30,000 to account for water, sewer and minor repairs.

Staff also said the county insures its properties through the IRF and that adding the splash pad to the county’s portfolio will not materially increase the county’s overall insurance burden, though the county will assume liability for operations on the parcel once donated. The water source was identified as a Beaufort-Jasper water connection (a 2-inch line) with sewer discharge back to the system; staff provided per-thousand sewer charges used in the cost estimate.

Several committee members expressed support for public recreation and for partnering with municipalities to deliver amenities; one member suggested Port Royal should contribute to ongoing maintenance costs. A member with prior U.S. Treasury experience pressed staff on why the IGA had not arrived earlier and whether the town met ARPA obligation deadlines; staff replied that the town was the ARPA recipient and followed its procurement process, and that the IGA documents long-term liability acceptance by the county.

After discussion and public comment, a motion to place the IGA on the floor was made and seconded. The committee approved forwarding the IGA to County Council with one recorded objection. Committee members and staff said the item will appear on County Council’s agenda for final action; staff also offered to provide additional usage and budget data for Council review.