Monday, November 2, 2026

Beaufort County Council and its committees met Monday, November 2, to discuss public safety, fire service organization, affordable housing, land use, data center development, pending litigation and County property matters.

Here are a few highlights from the meetings:

Special Called County Council Meeting

New River Forest Property and Pending Litigation

Council convened a special-called meeting and entered executive session to receive legal advice regarding the pending litigation in Maria Walls v. Beaufort County and proposed contractual arrangements and the potential sale or purchase of property involving New River Forest. There were no matters arising out of executive session.

Community Services and Public Safety Committee

Detention Center Mental Health Services

The Committee considered a proposed annual contract with Beaufort Memorial Hospital to provide mental health services to inmates at the Beaufort County Detention Center. The proposed contract amount was $209,165.04. The Committee approved and the item will move to County Council for final approval.

Fire Service Consolidation Study

The Committee considered a proposed $164,361.76 contract with Emergency Services Consulting International (ESCI) to conduct a Fire Service Consolidation Study. The study is intended to evaluate opportunities and options for fire service organization across Beaufort County.

Fire Service Consolidation Study Ad Hoc Committee

The Committee also considered a resolution establishing an ad hoc committee to assist with the fire service consolidation study and provide additional input into the process. The Committee will be comprised of local fire chiefs. 

Natural Resources Committee

Habitat for Humanity Property Conveyance

The Committee considered an ordinance addressing the proposed conveyance of a County-owned parcel to Habitat for Humanity of the Lowcountry for affordable housing. The proposed changes would modify certain covenants and restrictions associated with the property. The motion passed unanimously. 

Data Center Moratorium

The Committee considered a proposed temporary moratorium on accepting, processing, approving or issuing applications and permits for data center development in unincorporated Beaufort County. The moratorium would allow the County time for a comprehensive study of the potential cumulative impacts of data center development, including infrastructure and resource demands.

The Committee recommended implementing a 12-month moratorium to County Council with a vote of 7-1.

Cultural Protection Overlay

The Committee considered a proposed zoning map amendment to remove approximately 502 acres along Dulamo Road and St. Helenaville Road from the Cultural Protection Overlay district. The Committee forwarded to County Council a recommendation to deny the zoning map amendment request with a vote of 6-3.

These committee meetings provide an opportunity for Council members to review proposed policies, contracts, land-use changes and other matters before they advance through the County's decision-making process.

 All County Committee and Council meetings are streamed live and
available on demand through

Looking for more details or a specific item not covered in this release? Check out BCTV for full meeting recordings, agendas, and other details! BCTV can be found on cable channels Comcast - channel 2; Sparklight- channel 9 and 113; Spectrum - channel 1304. BCTV also streams live on ROKU and Amazon Fire.