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Council declines to fund USCB convocation center at first reading
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Summary
A proposed county funding package totaling roughly $11.1 million for the University of South Carolina Beaufort convocation center failed at first reading after councilors expressed concerns about timing, traffic impacts and the university seeking other funding; the motion did not pass on roll call.
Councilors considered a proposed funding package for the University of South Carolina Beaufort convocation center that would have combined general-fund appropriations and reallocated GO bond dollars to produce roughly $11.1 million in county support.
Supporters said the convocation center would benefit local students and the county; critics objected to timing, potential traffic impacts on US 278, and the university's fundraising pace. "If we can spend this $11 million now, they will come back and ask for more to reach a $20 million figure," one council member said, urging the university to increase non-county fundraising first.
Several council members asked whether USCB could repurpose or sell underused southern-campus property to offset costs; others urged the university to pursue private and state funding.
On roll call the funding motion failed and the ordinance did not move forward at first reading.
