Beaufort County Council recently met for Caucus and County Council, discussing legal matters, land conservation, stormwater, transportation, community development, County operations, and other issues affecting our community.

County Council Caucus 

Geismar North America Settlement
Following executive session, Council approved a proposed settlement between Beaufort County and Geismar North America Inc. and authorized the County Administrator to execute the settlement agreement. The motion passed 11–0.

Legal Services – Maria Walls Litigation
Council voted 11–0 not to ratify a contract for legal services entered into by County Treasurer Maria Walls in connection with pending litigation and directed the Administrator regarding payment and potential recovery of unauthorized legal invoices.

Bluffton Parkway Storm Drainage
Council authorized the County Administrator, in consultation with the County Attorney and appropriate staff and consultants, to negotiate with Chartwell Mews regarding alleged impacts to the property associated with the Bluffton Parkway project. Any proposed settlement or agreement will return to County Council for final approval. The motion passed 11–0.

Watch County Council Caucus here.

County Council Meeting 

Green Space Program
Council approved funding for due diligence and negotiations toward potential acquisitions of three properties through the County’s Green Space Program: the V&R Investment Tract, Seaside Oaks Tracts, and Okatie Bluff Road Tracts. Each motion passed 10–0.

Stormwater & Royal Pines
Council approved second reading and public hearing of an ordinance authorizing the purchase of property for the Royal Pines Stormwater Project in the amount of $3.475 million. The ordinance passed 10–0.

Sidewalks & Transportation Improvements
Council approved second reading and public hearing of an ordinance addressing right-of-way and temporary construction easements for Safe Routes to Schools sidewalks and multi-use pathways and Lady’s Island Corridor traffic improvements. The ordinance passed 10–0.

Community Development & Zoning
Council approved the Community Development Code amendments on third reading. The updates allow shipping containers for agricultural uses under the revised regulations. Council also approved a zoning map amendment affecting approximately 1.4 acres, which passed 9–1.

County Budget & Operations
Council approved second reading and public hearing of an ordinance amending the FY2027 budget for Stormwater Utility operations, carryover purchase orders, accommodations and hospitality tax projects, and facility operations. The ordinance passed 10–0.

Building Code Updates
Council approved first reading of an ordinance updating County building regulations to adopt the 2024 state-mandated building code editions. The motion passed 10–0.

Pocotaligo Preserve
Council approved first reading of an ordinance authorizing an electric line easement with Dominion Energy on County property known as Pocotaligo Preserve. The motion passed 10–0.

Fort Fremont Preserve
Council approved a resolution authorizing a license agreement with the State of South Carolina for the repair of a historic “Flywheel” artifact to be installed and displayed at Fort Fremont Preserve. The resolution passed 10–0.

County Updates & Recognition
The County Administrator recognized employees for years of service, retiring employees, and an employee who assisted a colleague during a medical emergency. Updates were also provided on the Tax Referendum and Alljoy Pathway Project.

This is a selection of items. Watch the full County Council Meeting here.

County Administrator’s Report 

The County Administrator also provided updates on the Sales Tax Referendum, upcoming community meetings, and the Alljoy Pathway Project along with employee recognitions.

Watch the Administrator's Report here.

Jacqueline Harper Simmons, Solid Waste & Recycling
Recognized for 15 Years of Service

Christopher Youmans, Stormwater Regulatory
Recognized for 15 Years of Service

Robert “Ryan” Trimmier, Office of the Assessor
Recognized for 20 Years of Service

Doneta Garvin, Disabilities and Special Needs
Recognized for 25 Years of Service

Elaine Newton-Givens, Beaufort County Sheriff's Office
Retiring After 26 Years of Dedicated Service

Michelle Cucinella, Magistrate Court
Recognized for Her Lifesaving Actions in Service to Her Community

County Council Proclamations 

Watch the Proclamations issued by Council here.

County Council Issued a Proclamation Recognizing Mr. McShane on Receiving the Order of the Palmetto

County Council Issued a Proclamation Recognizing September as National Preparedness Month

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