CDC board told town will likely fund senior project manager in FY2026 budget

Mr. Boxley told the Bella Beachy Historical Neighborhoods Community Development Corporation board that the FY2026 budget includes a line item for a senior project manager and that he and the town manager will ask Town Council to cover the position from the town's general fund rather than from CDC funds. "Our agenda item this morning under unfinished business is regarding our fiscal year 2026 budget," Mr. Boxley said, and he added that "this line item in our budget...will be covered through...the general fund of town council versus the CDC budget."

A board member who spoke during the discussion said they had attended budget workshops where the Gullah Geechee Historic Neighborhood Community Development Fund was discussed and that Mr. Boxley had answered questions at those sessions. "I feel like the council is supportive in the direction that the CDC is going," the board member said.

When asked whether the town appropriation would be a one-time or ongoing commitment, Mr. Boxley replied that the town's budget cycle runs July 1 through June 30 and that the appropriation would require annual Town Council approval. "So this would require annual approval by town council," he said. He added that he expects staff will likely return year-to-year to request the position, although each year's funding would be subject to Council approval.

Mr. Boxley characterized the discussion as a status update and said no formal action was required by the CDC at the meeting. The board did not vote on the budget item; members heard the plan and were invited to provide feedback through the two council members who serve on the CDC board.

Next steps: Mr. Boxley said he and the town manager will take the request to Town Council; the CDC will continue coordinating with town planning staff and with the Gullah Geechee Cultural Preservation Task Force on related work. No vote or funding commitment by the CDC was recorded at the meeting.