Beaufort County Council rang in the New Year with its first regular meeting on January 13th, ushering in a historic moment in leadership as the two highest-ranking positions on Council are held by women for the first time in Beaufort County. With Alice Howard and Anna Maria Tabernick serving as Chair and Vice Chair, the first meeting of 2025 set the tone for a year of inclusivity and transparency. Alongside this milestone, County Council discussed a number of hot topics, including a new line of vehicles for Fleet Services, a project from the 2018 Tax Referendum, and the construction of hangars at the Beaufort Executive Airport.
Watch the full County Council meeting and see the agenda HERE.
Public Comments:
The meeting opened with an emotional statement from lifelong Beaufort resident Ronald Walsh, who shared his frustrations over code enforcement issues that stemmed from unauthorized tree-clearing on conservation land he had been leasing for hunting. “I never saw myself as a tree-hugger, that’s what I said the first time I came and addressed you,” Walsh told Council. But after going through the courts, speaking during public comment, and calling Assistant County Administrators with no response, Walsh stated that “as a result, I’ve lost that 28-29 acres that I’ve been leasing all those years for me and my grandson.” Clear-cutting and the unauthorized removal of live oak trees are not new issues for Beaufort County, although a solution that would protect pieces of land like Walsh’s has yet to be identified.
Elizabeth Hayes voiced her concerns in regards to the Pine Island development project and how the land, which currently sits undeveloped, could be used to benefit the Gullah-Geechee community and the people of St. Helena’s. Hayes directed most of her comments to Councilman York Glover, stating that it was both “disheartening and confusing” to her that Glover no longer supports the development, which she believes will protect the land. “It will do exactly what you say that you stand for,” Hayes said of Glover, citing economic growth, balancing development while preserving St. Helena’s character, promoting economic opportunities, expanding public infrastructure, and protecting family interests. “But you support an airport upgrade that will do absolutely nothing for your community,” she continued. “In fact, it will aid in the gentrification of your very own community.” Hayes ended her public comment with a question for Glover, asking why, in his seven years as Councilman, has he not introduced a plan for a YMCA or multipurpose center for his community.
Key Ordinances & Decisions
County Council unanimously approved the third and final reading of the ordinance to use $3.3 million from the General Fund for Fleet Services. These funds will be used to purchase new vehicles and equipment for Fleet Services including two ambulances, ADA-compliant vans, bucket trucks, and passenger vans to name a few. According to Assistant County Administrator John Robinson, “over 90% of those are replacement of older vehicles that have seen beyond their life expectancy.” While Beaufort residents never did get an answer as to why this was not included in the original fiscal year 2025 budget, Fleet Services and Beaufort County staff will surely be glad to have some new wheels on the road.
See previous Beaufort Insider reports on this ordinance HERE.
Next on the list was The Stuart Point Sidewalk Project, where Council approved the second-reading of an ordinance that would authorize the County Administrator to “execute any and all necessary documents for the acceptance of right-of-way or temporary construction easements” for the project. When asked how long the process would take, Assistant County Administrator Jared Fralix noted it could be quite a long time, as there are 38 different parcels and landowners to engage with prior to moving forward with construction. Fralix reminded Council and residents that the Stuart Point Project is part of the 2018 Sales & Use Tax Referendum, which has been under a heap of public scrutiny due to the County’s lack of progress on the defined projects. This reminder prompted Councilman Dawson to make a profound statement, referring to the community’s overwhelming rejection of the 2024 Tax Referendum. “I think until we get a lot of these 2018 Projects completed, to show we are accomplishing some things, that will perhaps give us a better chance of getting future referendums passed.” To recap, for sidewalks and pathway projects alone, the 2018 Referendum allocated $10 million. Only one of those projects has been completed. If we follow Dawson’s advice, at this rate, we won’t see another referendum on the ballot this century.
The ordinance that sparked the most debate amongst Council and Staff was to approve a $4.3 million investment from the General Fund to construct aircraft hangars at the Beaufort Executive Airport. Immediately, Councilwoman Paula Brown motioned to postpone the second-reading of the ordinance indefinitely “until staff is prepared to offer alternative funding suggestions for our consideration.” Chief Financial Officer Pinky Harriott stated that she and her team would need time to identify and review an alternative before bringing it back to Council for second reading. The acting County Attorney clarified for everyone in the room and watching online that this new alternative, if/when identified, will not be taken in front of the Finance Committee, but will instead be taken directly to council so as not to “go back to square one.” Councilman Lawrence McElynn appeared to show little confidence in identifying an alternative as he questioned Harriott on whether she believed they would find one. When Harriott said it was too soon to tell, McElynn asked, “so this may never happen?” Councilman Cunningham questioned Harriott for a different reason, wanting to know if an alternative was requested by a member of Council, or by a member of staff. Harriott stated that it was her request to review, reminding Cunningham that she tried to “put a stop” to the ordinance in its first reading on December 9th. When it came time to vote, Councilman York Glover was the first to jump behind Brown’s motion to postpone, followed by the rest of council with the exception of McElynn, who was the only opposing vote.
See previous Beaufort Insider reports on this ordinance HERE.
The January 13th meeting marked a significant step forward for Beaufort County Council, both in leadership and decision-making. From long-awaited projects like the Stuart Point Sidewalk to debated investments like the airport hangars, the meeting tackled critical issues shaping Beaufort’s future. Public feedback revealed the passion and concerns of residents, which serves as a reminder of the county’s need to address long standing issues. As 2025 unfolds, Beaufort residents should expect to see continued efforts to build transparency, efficiency, and inclusivity across the county.