Hilton Head Island’s Town Council voted on Dec. 18 to approve, on second reading, an ordinance authorizing the issuance of general obligation bonds to fund capital projects including acquisition and renovation at 9 and 10 Park Lane for a new fire-rescue headquarters and land acquisition for conservation.

Staff told council the Finance Administrative Committee forwarded the item and noted the ordinance’s title was amended to reflect the capital projects. During debate, some councilmembers said they supported using bond proceeds to buy land for conservation and to build the new headquarters, but voiced concern about the proposed $35,000,000 borrowing level. Councilmember Becker said she could not support the $35 million figure and preferred a smaller, more targeted approach; another member explicitly said they supported a $25,000,000 borrowing level and urged pay-as-you-go for discretionary projects.

The motion to approve the ordinance was moved and seconded; the council approved the bond ordinance on second reading by recorded tally (chair reported 'Passes 5 to 2').