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Committee hears project updates; Jasper County funds Chelsea closing, committee recommends bond approach
Summary
Staff reported on multiple project updates including Simmons easement and a Chelsea closing expected by Aug. 7 with Jasper County contributing $2 million; the committee voted to recommend that county council discuss bond issuance with Jasper County to support conservation pipeline funding.
The Green Space Advisory Committee received a roundup of project updates on July 17, including surveys and appraisals, town grant steps, and funding arrangements for several tracks and conservation acquisitions.
Staff said the Campbell track survey and appraisal are complete and an application to the State Conservation Bank will move forward this month. The Simmons Track was reported as moving to close after the town approved the easement and grant documents are being prepared to record county and town grant agreements at closing.
Committee members discussed funding and an upcoming Chelsea closing. Laurel Roten said Jasper County has awarded $2,000,000 that complements the committee’s funding and that Jasper had revised its grant agreement; staff said the Chelsea closing is expected on or before Aug. 7. The committee’s bridge funding was discussed in staff remarks: “We made a $6,000,000 bridge, but we put $2,000,000 in so that's out and $4,000,000 will come back,” a staff speaker said, and members discussed the reimbursable structure.
Members voted to recommend that Beaufort County Council communicate with Jasper County about issuing bonds (defeasance) so Jasper could partner more fully with Beaufort County on conservation acquisitions. The committee asked staff to continue appraisals, coordinate with towns on closing steps, and provide an improved fund-balance presentation at the Sept. 10 meeting, citing confusion in earlier displays of committed vs. available funds.
Graham Phillip, the committee attorney, also provided a Buckwalter status update: certain surveys remain outstanding and covenants and restrictions will be recorded at closing once town survey comments are resolved; staff agreed to provide an update no later than Aug. 1 if a closing has not occurred.
