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Sullivan's Island council approves FY2026 CARTA budget, ratifies five-year lease option with Sullivan's Island Club
Summary
At its July 15 meeting, the Sullivan's Island Town Council unanimously approved the FY2026 CARTA budget and ratified Ordinance 2025-05 to permit up to five-year lease agreements with the Sullivan's Island Club, updating the lease start date to July 15, 2025.
The Sullivan's Island Town Council on July 15 unanimously approved two formal items: the Town's approval of the Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA) FY2026 budget and Ordinance 2025-05, which amends the Town's Special Ordinances to allow lease agreements with the Sullivan's Island Club for up to five years.
Mayor Patrick O'Neil presided over the meeting and introduced the CARTA presentation. Matthew Spath of CARTA summarized the FY2026 budget and service updates, including the Beach Reach seasonal vehicle — a free service running Saturdays and Sundays from Mt. Pleasant to the Isle of Palms County Park — which Spath told council has seen a roughly 30% increase in usage this season. Spath also reported the Lowcountry Rapid Transit (LCRT) project is in the engineering phase and is expected to provide upgraded vehicles and stations on a route between Ladson and downtown Charleston, with full public service anticipated by 2029. Councilmember Gary Visser moved to approve the FY2026 CARTA budget; Councilmember Jody Latham seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
In separate action, council considered and ratified Ordinance 2025-05 to amend Table III: Property in the Town's Special Ordinances. The amendment removes the one-year renewal limit for a lease with the Sullivan's Island Club and allows the Town to establish leases of up to five years, with the ordinance text updated to reflect a July 15, 2025 start date. Councilmember Scott Millimet moved the third reading and ratification; Councilmember Carl Hubbard seconded, and the ordinance passed unanimously.
Why it matters: Municipal approval is required for each CARTA-participating jurisdiction's budget, which permits continued regional transit services that serve residents and visitors. The change to the Town's lease rules alters the Town's discretion over the duration of property leases to a longer maximum term, potentially affecting local arrangements with the Sullivan's Island Club.
Details and next steps: The CARTA full budget is available in the council packet. The ordinance amendment becomes effective as ratified; the Town Administrator explained the change to renewal language and the new contract start date. The council took no additional formal votes on related contracts at the meeting.
