KBCB approves FY27 budget request with added school recycling funding; chair nominated

Keep Beaufort County Beautiful members voted to approve their FY27 budget submission to Beaufort County, endorsing changes that increased proposed funding for school recycling programs and modestly boosted the plastics-reduction outreach line.

The committee agreed to raise the line for support of Beaufort County Public Schools recycling from $15,000 to $50,000 and to increase the plastics-reduction initiative line from $25,000 to $30,000. Chair (Unidentified Speaker S1) presented additional draft allocations including $20,000 for plantings, a proposed $8,000 per welcome sign (five signs budgeted as $40,000 total) and outreach/materials lines; staff said actual sign bids were about $7,500 with an approximate $600 architect fee. Members discussed and adjusted draft figures and asked for documented justifications for each line in advance of county submission.

During new business the group completed required annual appointments. A motion to accept the FY27 budget submission as amended was moved and seconded; members voted by voice and the chair declared the budget passed for FY27 submission. The meeting record shows a voice vote of assent with no roll-call tallies provided in the transcript.

The board also handled appointments: Chris Campbell was nominated and confirmed as chair by voice vote during the meeting; a vice chair nomination was also moved and approved. Members were reminded the board has four open seats and encouraged public participation to fill vacancies.

The committee plans to refine line-item justifications and will finalize adjustments in April before formal county budget hearings and submission deadlines.