Council authorizes third appraisal for Mitchellville purchase with conditions

Beaufort County Council voted Dec. 9 to commission a third-party appraisal of the Mitchellville property on Hilton Head Island and set three written conditions for the county's contribution.

The motion, moved by Mr. Reeds and seconded by Miss Howard, directs the county to select and pay for a third appraisal within funds already authorized (up to $10,000). Council spelled out that Hilton Head Island must agree in writing that the third appraisal's valuation will determine the county's contribution and that the county will not add any amount beyond that appraisal.

Mike McShane, who chaired the Green Space Committee and presented the report, told council that a 3rd-party review identified technical differences between two earlier appraisals and that "we would bring a recommendation to council on how to handle either way" depending on whether the new appraisal comes in higher or lower.

McShane warned the town of Hilton Head that the third appraisal could come in lower and said that the town must accept that risk. He added the committee would not seek additional dollars beyond the amount already authorized to pay for the appraisal.

Council members asked for clarification about who would cover a higher valuation. McShane responded that the town was informed of the risk and that recommendations would be returned to the Community Services/Land Use Committee before further council action.

The motion passed without objection. The item will return to the Community Services/Land Use Committee with the third appraisal and any recommended next steps.