June 1, 2022 • Volume 25, Issue 11 • Complimentary • BlufftonSun.com
INSIDE • ‘Green Space’ tax would let counties raise preservation funds 18A • Fans go wild for ‘3rd Hour of Today’ live in the Lowcountry 22A • Watch out for gators, especially during mating season 30A • Check for Palmetto Electric unclaimed Capital Credits 34A • Former teachers start nature camps 36A
County seeks another penny tax for transportation projects By Gwyneth J. Saunders CONTRIBUTOR
Hot on the heels of a 2018 penny sales tax referendum that expired Dec. 31, 2021, the Beaufort County Council is seeking another 1% tax to fund such projects as roadway improvements, potential mass transit, and another $40 million toward the $290 million 278 Corridor Improvement Project that was to be partially funded by the 2018 sales tax. The 278 project is still not set in concrete, so to speak, because it is now undergoing a million dollar independent traffic simulation analysis, but the extra funding will result in a finished project.
“The additional $40 million would help fund some of the citizens of Hilton Head’s requests for additions to the project like robust landscaping. Additionally, it provides funds if inflation and material costs continue to skyrocket,” said Beaufort County Public Information Officer Chris Ophardt. “Finally, if the funds are not used for the bridge project scope, they can be used for other projects on either side of the bridge in the 278 corridors like the Cross Island Parkway interchange.” County council at its May 23 meeting held the first reading for the proposed 2022 Transportation Sales
Please see PENNY on page 10A
GWYNETH J. SAUNDERS
The traffic circle in New River is a junction for two major arteries used by commuters to and from Bluffton. If a referendum on a new penny sales tax is on the November ballot and approved, $20 million of the total raised is expected to be used for improvements to SC 46 from SC 170 to Jasper County, and for safety improvements from SC 170 to Buckwalter.
Second reading of 2023 budget ordinance set for June 13 The County Council passed on first reading of the Fiscal Year 2023 Budget Ordinance May 23. Council approved the $142.1 million Budget. With a vote of 9 in favor with 2 members not present. “The FY23 budget results from a yearlong process, two public workshops, and hard staff work from our Finance divi-
Storytime
sion,” said Eric Greenway, Beaufort County Administrator. “We worked diligently to present a budget that improves our services to county residents, anticipates the continued population growth, and is the best use of tax dollars.” The second reading and public hearing of the FY23 Budget Ordinance will occur at
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the June 13 council meeting. The final reading will be at the June 27 council meeting held at the Hilton Head Library. The proposed Budget can be found at beaufortcountysc.gov/budget. This summer, the county is launching for the first time an interactive digital budget book that will allow taxpayers to easily
review department budgets. To watch a replay of this meeting, find The County Channel on Comcast channel 2, Hargray channels 9 and 113, and Spectrum channel 1304. Viewers can also watch programming live and on-demand at The County Channel’s website at beaufortcountysc.gov/the-county-channel.