Atlantic Beach manager reports improved assets but says ARPA lighting/EV/Wi-Fi project delayed by supplier

Town Manager Adrian Jones presented the town's November financials and an update on infrastructure projects at the Atlantic Beach Town Council meeting on Dec. 8.

Jones told the council that total assets increased year over year. He read figures showing total assets for Nov. 30, 2024, as $456,149.76 and for Nov. 30, 2025, as $541,192.94, and he summarized a profit-and-loss comparison for July–November showing the town is about $3,863 ahead year over year. "So we're a whole lot ahead of what we were last year," he said.

Jones also briefed the council on an ARPA-funded project to install solar lighting, EV charging stations and pole-mounted Wi-Fi along Ocean Boulevard. He said the work is delayed because a supplier missed delivery timelines, not because of town finances: "There has been a delay but it hasn't been because of any financial issues or it hasn't been anything to do with anything like that. It's been totally supplier that's caused the delay on this," Jones said. He said the town engineer and contractor have met and established a critical path to move the work forward.

Mayor Pro Tem John David and other council members discussed how completed or ongoing grant projects can strengthen the town's ability to secure future funding. David described EV charging stations on 32nd and 30th avenues and said they are listed on national charging maps such as PlugShare, creating potential revenue. He also described a planned third-party vendor model for beach Wi-Fi and said the town could seek reduced electrical service from Santee Cooper after full solar-light installation.

The meeting recorded a dispute over earlier statements about a Santee Cooper economic grant. Councilman David said the town had been "pre-approved" for a $10,000 grant; Town Manager Jones answered, "Well, no, Councilman, no, Mayor Pro Tem, you're incorrect with your numbers. We were never pre-approved for anything. The grant was up to $10,000 and I vehemently expressed that we spent a little over $10,000 for the project and we only got $5,000 back." The transcript does not provide further documentation of grant application or reimbursement details; Jones and council members indicated they will follow up with Santee Cooper.

Jones closed by welcoming newly sworn Police Chief Joseph Cooper and by urging collaboration between council and administration to pursue state and federal funding for roads, sidewalks and other infrastructure projects. The council did not take formal action on the ARPA project at the meeting; staff reported they will continue work to secure materials and complete the installation.

Next steps: staff to pursue supplier delivery and finalize project schedule; council members to pursue grant and funding opportunities with Horry County and state partners.