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