At the City Council meeting last week on June 11, 2024, the council voted 4 to 1 to squelch the proposed highway 170 sidewalk plan. The newly constructed sidewalk would have replaced an existing sidewalk near the Spanish Moss Trail and the new Publix. This decision marked a significant moment in Beaufort’s local government as it showcased a departure from the City staff’s recommendation, reflecting a move towards fiscal restraint.
City Finance Director Alan Eisenman requested a vote to approve $150,000 in additional funds for the project citing increased construction costs from the time the original estimate was done. The $150,000 he requested were in addition to the original budget of $190,244, bringing the total for the requested project to $340,244. Director Eisenman asked Council to approve this additional funding from the TIF II Fund. The City of Beaufort website defines the TIF II Fund as follows: “TIF II Fund: The Tax Increment Financing District II Fund is used to account for property tax proceeds generated in the TIF II district. These funds are restricted for expenditures and capital improvement projects that benefit the TIF II district, which encompasses portions along Boundary Street and surrounding areas.”
Mayor Phil Cromer and Councilmen Mitch Mitchell, Neil Lipsitz, and Josh Scallate voted to reject the plan, while Councilman Mike McFee was the lone approval vote. Traditionally, votes on recommendations from city staff are seen as routine approvals. However, this particular vote diverged from that norm, highlighting the council’s willingness to listen to public concerns and prioritize financial prudence. During the meeting, two community members voiced their opposition to the 170 sidewalk plan, citing concerns over costs and questioning the immediate necessity of the project.
Councilman McFee, the sole “aye”, voted that the sidewalk plan should be done. McFee called the new cost of the project “heinous”, but justified his vote stating the TIF II funds will expire and the city will lose them. Councilman McFee asked Director Eisenman when the expiration date was, and Eisenman said that he did not know. Mr. Eisenman was contacted for comment, but at the time of publication no response was received.
Mayor Cromer stated, “I am opposed to it because I don’t think this is such a high priority project. I think there are better uses for our TIF II funds.” In fact, there were two alternate uses for the TIF II funds that came out of the discussion. The first suggestion, made by Councilman Scallate, was to follow suit with many other cities and coat roadways and sidewalks with Titanium Dioxide which would yield an environmental benefit for the area. The second proposed alternative for TIF II funds, to give the money back to the taxpayers, was raised by Paul Trask during public comment.
The council’s decision to reject the 170 sidewalk plan represents a moment of fiscal prudence, with a focus on budgetary discipline amidst competing priorities. It also highlights the importance of public input to guide the council’s decisions.
As Beaufort continues to navigate its growth and development, the City Council’s actions on June 11 serve as a strong reminder of the delicate balance between advancing infrastructure projects and the need to exercise financial restraint. The community will undoubtedly watch closely as future proposals are considered and the council continues to address the needs of Beaufort’s residents and visitors.
Who suggested the secret ballot, and why? Did Council vote on whether or not to do the secret ballot? I thought all votes were to be open to the public, since the Council isn’t allowed to take a vote in Executive Session. If I’m wrong about that, I feel at the very least such a move is political suicide! Council, I thought you better than this!