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Residents press Beaufort County on flooding as staff outline projects, buyout plans and staffing needs
Summary
Staff reported ongoing projects, contract awards and a planned buyout program while residents from Marsh Golf Course and other neighborhoods urged faster mitigation as pumps and berm repairs are prepared; staff pointed to a Public Facilities Committee meeting where more details will be presented.
Beaufort County stormwater staff updated the Stormwater Utility Board in June on maintenance projects, staffing plans and a planned buyout program while several residents urged quicker action to address prolonged neighborhood flooding.
Steven Carter, superintendent of Public Works, reviewed recent work and costs, including Hickory Hill Channel Ditch work with a reported cost of $364,329 and a Bluffton sinkhole/washout repair listed with a reported total cost of $11,008,865. "One of the major projects I would like to talk about is Hickory Hill...that total cost was 364,329," Carter said. He described ongoing repairs, liner installs and hydroseeding as part of the maintenance pipeline.
Taylor, stormwater staff, told the board the county is preparing a Royal Pines buyout program and expects to preview a framework for late July or early August; she said the county will present fee-restructure options at the Public Facilities Committee (PFC) meeting the following Monday. "We will be using our old structure for tax run this year, but hoping to institute this 2027," Taylor said regarding timing for fee-structure changes.
During public comment, one resident said months of standing water have blocked driveways and damaged daily life; staff replied pumps are staged for immediate response, a berm repair would be done this week and staff will make personal contact with affected residents. "We do have pumps staged out there, for immediate response," Taylor said; she added staff will follow up after the PFC presentation and provide interim updates to the board and citizens.
Board discussion also touched on personnel needs: Dennis Ross urged a proactive approach and asked whether the county should study creating a standalone stormwater unit; staff and the public works director said the county has requested an MS4 plan reviewer/coordinator position for FY27 and is considering adding a second project manager to handle internal maintenance work.
Staff also reported a contract award for pipe upsizing at Bay Pines to Gerald Brothers and that easement documents are scheduled to return to the council for a third reading on June 22. Taylor said the county plans a community meeting in late July to review construction designs and anticipated impacts for Bay Pines.
The board scheduled its next regular meeting for Aug. 12 and staff committed to circulating materials and an interim update after the PFC presentation.
