Palmetto Breeze interim director asks Hilton Head for $52,528; committee forwards request to council

Mary Lou Franzoni, interim executive director of the Lowcountry Regional Transportation Authority (Palmetto Breeze/LRTA), told the Finance and Administrative Committee the agency faces constrained revenue and asked Hilton Head Island to contribute $52,528 to close last year’s budget gap.

Franzoni described LRTA’s limited revenue sources — fares, ad sales, vehicle disposals and occasional event service — and said recent gifts of four MCI buses from the FTA required significant local matching for decals and preparation. "We're coming here today to ask the town of Hilton Head Island if they could contribute the 52,528 towards last year's budget," she said. Franzoni said LRTA is pursuing broader revenue changes at the county and state level, including possible sales-tax or property-tax financing and outreach to Beaufort County and other municipalities.

Committee members voiced support but sought transparency about contributions from neighboring jurisdictions, and asked staff for follow-up on which other localities are committing funds. Several members urged LRTA to continue meetings with Bluffton and Beaufort County and asked staff to check whether municipal appointments to the LRTA board could be adjusted to improve regional influence.

Committee member motioned to forward the request to Town Council with a recommendation for approval; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote. The committee did not appropriate funds at the meeting; the recommendation will go to full Town Council for final action.