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Council approves contribution for Simmons Tract conservation easement after debate over green-space allocations
Summary
Council approved a resolution to contribute up to $1,545,000 toward a conservation easement on Hilton Head's Simmons Tract; members debated how the green-space program allocates funds among county quadrants before the measure passed by roll call.
Council voted Feb. 23 to authorize up to $1,545,000 for Beaufort County's contribution to a conservation easement on the Simmons Tract on Hilton Head Island, under a resolution brought forward as item 14(a).
Staff described the tract and explained how the county’s green-space program allocates funds among quadrants by dollar share. Several council members from other parts of the county said their districts had not received investment and asked for a committee-level discussion to confirm how "equitable" allocations are defined in the ordinance. A staff representative explained the program's structure: allocations are dollar-based among north/south/east/west quadrants and out-of-county proposals may be handled by separate rules or loans.
Supporters emphasized the opportunity to secure a high-value parcel through a conservation easement that would preserve green space while allowing the current landowners to retain title and pay taxes. Opponents urged more clarity about geographic distribution of green-space funds and asked staff to bring the ordinance and allocation rules back to committee for review.
Council approved the contribution by roll call. Staff agreed to re-circulate the green-space ordinance language and to schedule committee discussion on distribution and equity questions raised by council members.
The resolution authorizes county staff to execute required documents to facilitate the conservation easement and to appropriate funds not to exceed $1,545,000 for the Simmons Tract.
