Beaufort County Council directs staff to pursue firm to educate public on transportation sales-tax referendum

Beaufort County Council directed county administration to move forward in identifying and, if appropriate, procuring a professional firm to provide public education about a possible transportation sales-tax referendum.

Council members said the county needs to organize better outreach than the ad hoc efforts used in prior referenda. One council member noted Jasper County hired a firm and subsequently passed a 3-cent sales tax, calling the experience “timely” and suggesting Beaufort County learn from that example. “So it’s time for us to get busy and try and get someone to help us the way they helped Jasper,” a council member said.

Administrator Jared said staff had identified potential funding and procurement options and would engage the procurement office to determine whether a small-purchase threshold or a formal RFP would be required. “If counsel directs, we would move forward with engaging a firm and looking at options for that,” Jared said; staff noted that purchases below $25,000 could be handled through small-purchase procedures.

Council directed administration to research firms used by other jurisdictions (including Jasper County and local school boards), return with cost estimates and procurement options, and present recommendations to council—ideally before the end of the month. Several members emphasized that any hired firm should provide neutral, educational materials that explain pros and cons, not advocate a position.

What happens next: administration will assess procurement pathways, estimate costs, and bring back suggested firms and budget options for council direction.