Hilton Head Reporter

The voters have spoken, and the Beaufort County Council has a lot of work to do. Tuesday, November 8th election saw four new members voted onto the Council and four re-elected. We welcome David Bartholomew, Tab Tabernik, Paula Brown, and Tom Reitz to the Council and look forward to working together to solve the issues facing Beaufort County.
County Administrator Eric Greenway will continue to guide our staff. After a few years of instability, the County Council has found the right person for the job. Eric has mentored the county staff to increase productivity and provide innovative ideas and creative solutions to the issues presented.

He continues to lead the effort to bring Affordable Housing to the County. He has convinced eight local governments that working together is the only way to make headway on this issue. Soon this area will start filling the large gap in housing for young professionals, first responders, and service workers.

He has skillfully brought all parties to the tables to address impact fees, gather input on boat landing and stormwater projects, and jump-started the stalled 278 bridge, pathways, and Lady’s Island projects associated with the 2018 Transportation Sales Tax. His leadership has brought together the staff, raised morale, and made Beaufort County a great workplace.

In January, the new County Council was sworn in. The County staff and Clerk of Council are developing a solid orientation for our members. The new Council must look forward and not dwell on the past.  

Voters approved the first in the state Greenspace Tax. Beaufort County has led South Carolina in preserving rural and critical lands and will continue to lead with the funds raised over the next two years starting in May. The County will create the oversight board this winter and show the rest of South Carolina how well this program can work to preserve our environment and protect our waterways.

Even with the Greenspace Tax, this County will continue to grow. We must invest and capitalize on the federal infrastructure funds. Working closely with the municipalities and Jasper County, the Council will need to address:

•    Parks and recreation improvements north of the Broad River

•    Long overdue improvements to the entire SR170/SR46 corridor from Beaufort to Hardeeville

•    Develop solutions for intersection improvements on Hilton Head

•    Upgrade the Hilton Head Airport to match current passengers traffic

•    Build a permanent home for the Daufuskie Ferry.

These are only a few of the issues the new Council will face. An inspired new Council will continue the gains made in transparency to the public, have a lively but respectful debate, and come to the best solutions; coupled with a strong County Administrator, we will continue the momentum and help us reach the expectations of our citizens.

Joe Passiment is Chairman of the Beaufort County Council and was re-elected for a second term on November 8th.

Original source can be found here.