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Council approves ordinances, leases and land purchase in routine business
Summary
Beaufort County Council approved several third-reading ordinances (community leases, Cherokee Farms right-of-way) and first-reading budget and bond-related amendments; the council also approved a resolution to purchase 14.77 acres for economic development with one opposing vote.
On April 14, 2025 the Beaufort County Council approved multiple ordinances and resolutions as part of its regular agenda.
Third-reading ordinances approved included a Daufuskie Island text amendment to permit certain services in a rural zone (ordinance 2025/19), acceptance of right-of-way for Cherokee Farms Road (2025/13), and lease authorizations for several community centers including Jenkins Community Center, the Young Men’s Social Club and the South Pine Ladies Union. Council closed public hearings where no members of the public spoke on those items and approved the measures by voice/show-of-hands votes.
At first reading, staff presented a budget amendment tied to 2025 bond issuance and explained that the county issued a reduced bond total than initially planned (staff said roughly $68.6M–$72M versus earlier estimates near $90M) and provided the project attachment in the backup materials. Council also considered repeal of an enterprise ordinance to move solid waste and recycling operations from an enterprise fund back into the general fund; staff explained that without a sustainable MRF revenue stream the enterprise fund was functioning like a general fund department.
Council approved a resolution authorizing the county economic development corporation to purchase 14.77 acres at 134 Parker Drive for future industrial/commercial uses; staff described the tract as high and dry and said the price compared favorably to nearby acreage. That purchase passed with one council member recorded as opposed.
Staff told the public that additional ordinance items (easement abandonments, drainage clarifications and other technical items) were routine cleanups of prior recorded rights where projects never materialized or where easement alignments no longer matched field conditions. Those items also moved forward on first reading or were scheduled for public hearing where required.
Council members said they will continue to monitor bond-funded project lists and return to the finance committee for detailed budget line-item review.
