Beaufort County Council approves land purchases, tax, and funding measures; several first/second readings advanced

Beaufort County Council on Hilton Head Island approved a series of ordinances and resolutions on Feb. 10, 2025, covering land purchases and easements, leases, right‑of‑way acquisitions, and funding contributions to the town of Hilton Head Island and state boat‑landing funds. Council also advanced several economic development measures to later readings and authorized settlement agreements in executive session.

The council approved a third‑reading text amendment (2025/2) to allow lodging and short‑term rentals in designated Dale zoning districts; Councilman Bartholomew moved the measure and it passed after Councilman Dawson recused himself from voting. The measure had been considered in committee and at prior readings.

The council adopted an ordinance authorizing the administrator to accept rights of way and temporary construction easements for the Steward Road/Stewart Point Road sidewalk project (third reading). The measure passed unanimously by show of hands.

Council approved a lease agreement (ordinance 2025/4) allowing the Mitchellville Preservation Project to occupy Suite 134 and Suite 142 at 539 William Hilton Parkway on Hilton Head Island. The measure passed unanimously.

Several economic development items tied to “Project Micro,” an aerospace company planning local…