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Residents press James Island council over town spending and PSD cost-sharing; council says issue was addressed previously
Summary
Multiple residents told the council they opposed recent town expenditures and the decision to end a cost-sharing agreement with the James Island Public Service District, warning of higher taxes and reduced services; the council said the PSD matter had been addressed at a prior meeting and offered follow-up discussions.
Several residents used the public-comment portion of the Town Council meeting to urge the council to reconsider recent spending decisions and to restore or defend a prior cost-sharing arrangement with the James Island Public Service District (PSD).
Why it matters: Speakers said ending the town’s cost-sharing agreement with the PSD could shift costs onto residents through higher PSD rates and property-tax increases in a reassessment year. Council members said the cost-sharing item was addressed at a prior meeting and invited residents to meet with staff to review the details.
Public testimony: John McGee, who said he has lived on James Island for 42 years, cited a Courier posting and said the PSD action would cause a 28% tax increase by the PSD and an estimated 15% increase in property taxes for town residents. He also criticized recent town spending, citing a $3,000,000 cultural arts center, a more-than-$1,000,000 waterfront park purchase and a vac-truck quoted “over $500,000.” McGee said those combined costs roughly equaled "four and a half million dollars" and argued transparency was lacking.
Karen Tucker McGee opposed removal of the town contribution to the PSD and said the public-service district "does an excellent job" and that residents should have a vote on major expenditures. Tammy Tucker said residents have not been shown plans for long-term maintenance and operation costs for new facilities.
Town response and record: Mayor Brooke Lyon told attendees the cost-sharing agreement had been discussed at the prior meeting and that there is "a whole lot of misinformation out there," inviting residents to meet with staff or the mayor to get full details. The mayor read a written public comment from Wendy Teal supporting the PSD’s use of funds and noting the town’s interest in preserving green space; Teal’s note was entered into the meeting record.
Next steps: Council members offered to meet with concerned residents individually, promised to post documentation online and encouraged public engagement at upcoming meetings. No new vote on the PSD cost-sharing agreement took place at this meeting; the council reiterated it would continue outreach and provide information to clarify the prior decision.
