Volunteer Beaufort Water Search and Rescue requests $40,000; committee directs staff to find funding

Representatives of Beaufort Water Search and Rescue asked Beaufort County’s Community Services committee for $40,000 in midyear support to replace boats and buy tow vehicles. Patrick Canning said the all‑volunteer organization responded to 97 missions last year and estimated ongoing needs at about $116,000 for fiscal 2026.

Canning described the group as an all‑volunteer rescue organization based in Port Royal with additional coverage in Bluffton; he said the organization receives a recurring $10,000 stipend through the sheriff’s budget and had earlier applied for ATAX funds for boat purchases. “We are an all volunteer water search and rescue organization whose primary mission is to support and assist local, state, and federal emergency response agencies,” he said.

Committee members questioned whether the request required a formal midyear budget amendment or could be handled by internal transfers. Budget staff confirmed a contingency line remains available and that the $10,000 recurring stipend is budgeted in the sheriff’s department. Committee members decided to withdraw a motion for a midyear amendment and instead directed administration to identify existing budget lines or transfers to cover the $40,000 request; full council involvement would be required only if a formal midyear amendment becomes necessary.

Members also asked whether municipal partners had contributed and encouraged the applicant to pursue local ATAX and municipal support. The committee did not award funds at the meeting; it gave administration and finance staff direction to locate potential funding and report back.