Long-sought County Council meeting held on Hilton Head Island

The Beaufort County Council met on the evening of January 27th at the Beaufort County public library on Hilton Head, discussing many topics relevant to residents of Hilton Head, Bluffton, and surrounding areas of southern Beaufort County.

Council approved ordinances and resolutions covering an array of areas. Approval votes by Council included:

*Authorizing a lease agreement allowing the Mitchelville Preservation Project to use offices in County owned property

*Conveying property on Buckwalter Parkway to Beaufort Memorial Hospital for development of medical offices and affordable and workforce housing

*Providing funds to the Town of Hilton Head Island for procurement of the Jonesville Road tract as part of the Green Space Program

*Providing funds for their procurement of the William Hilton Parkway tracts as part of the Green Space Program

*Accepting $1.2 from the 2024-25 State Appropriations Act for the Alljoy Boat Landing Improvement Project

Councilman Mark Lawson made a point to emphasize the work of the local state delegation in securing the funds.

“This money is actually from our delegation from the state, especially from Rep. Weston Newton and Mr. Bill Herbkersman who helped to bring the funds to help us expand the Alljoy boat landing that’s so important to that area there,” Lawson said.

During committee reports, Lawson joined other members of Council in addressing the County’s recent work and the efforts of Council to strengthen the relationship with residents.

Councilwoman Anna Maria Tabernik spoke about a new community outreach effort called Chat with Council. This is an informal gathering with no agenda where residents have an opportunity to talk with Council members and ask questions. The first gathering was scheduled for January 28th.

Although a couple of residents raised issues about the response to the recent snow, Tabernik and Lawson joined other members in thanking Michael Moore, Public Works, and the Department of Transportation for their work during the recent snow and other storms that have hit the area since Moore took office.

In reference to their efforts, Lawson said, “I think we’re building trust again with everything we’re doing.”

As the Council works to build relationships in the wider community, there is also an effort to strengthen cooperation within.

Councilman Tom Reitz thanked fellow members Tammy Becker and Alex Brown for working with him on green space projects.

Addressing Council, Reitz said, “My plea to you tonight is let’s continue to work together. I’ll tell you; we could accomplish a lot that way. Fair enough?”

Channing Heiss is a freelance writer and a member of the Beaufort County disAbilities Coalition.