In a special called meeting, the Finance, Administration and Economic Development Committee met Monday and here are some highlights from the agenda:

• Recommend approval of an ordinance appropriating funds from the State A-Tax funds as recommended by the State A-Tax Committee in compliance with the SC Code of Laws. 
  • Discussion included a brief review of amounts designated to each applicant group
  • Suggestions that meetings might be televised so the process is open to the public and transparent, ensure a solid, fair process to award funds, streamline application requested information to enhance clarity and transparency
• Council action was taken to add it to Monday's County Council agenda for second reading

The Beaufort County Community Services and Land Use Committee met Monday and here are some highlights:

• • Report from Assistant County Administrator Chuck Atkinson
    Brief overview by Rob Merchant, Director of Planning Department
    • Update of County Comprehensive Plan
      Land Preservation, Ordinance Update, Green Space progress, Cultural Protection Overlay process, Regional Affordable Housing Trust Fund is moving forward, Transportation projects including Laurel Bay and Spanish Moss Trail,
    • Land Use-work together for shared vision for growth and working with municipalities, including SoLoCo 
  • Presentation of St. Helena Gullah Housing Project-brief outline of objectives for livable, healthy, safe housing, community collaboration to alleviate hunger, lack of access to health care including mental health care and lack of interest in education
• Committee action was taken on the following agenda items:
  • Approval of a resolution to amend an intergovernmental agreement to jointly create, fund and operate a regional housing trust fund, establish an oversight board to oversee the fund and provide administration of the fund
  • Approval of resolution authorizing the Interim County Administrator to execute documents and provide funds to contribute to the procurement of a conservation easement on properties in Jasper County aka Gregorie Neck
  • Recommend approval of Green Space Advisory Committee recommendations to fund or not due diligence and negotiate terms of acquisitions for Green Space applications. Applications were presented and committee's due diligence efforts outlined by Green Space Advisory Committee Chair Mike McShane

The Beaufort County Council held their regular meeting beginning at 5 p.m., Monday evening. 

Below are some highlights from that meeting:

• A proclamation was read recognizing Disabilities Awareness Month
  A proclamation was read honoring Fred Leyda--retiring as Director, Beaufort County Human Services
• Public hearing and third reading of an ordinance authorizing the Interim County Administrator to enter into a lease agreement with SCDOT for property of Cross Island Parkway adjacent to Broad Creek Boat Landing parcel
• First reading of an ordinance to amend Beaufort County Budget 22/23 to 23/24 and appropriate $250,000 to cover unbudgeted costs for Daufuskie Island Ferry Operations--amended to include $3.6 million for parcels 333/335 Buckwalter Parkway
• Second reading of ordinance authorizing the Interim County Administrator to convey a portion of property on Beach City Road, Hilton Head Island
• First reading of ordinances amending Hospitality Tax of Beaufort County Code of Ordinances (6%) and first reading of Accommodations Tax (3%)

Added agenda item:

• Return to amended agenda to review the decision of resolution authorizing funds to Lowcountry Area Transportation Study (LATS) for the County's portion of the local match for the Northern Transit Study, Bluffton Parkway Extension Study, and Bluffton Parkway Flyover--review decision, amend or approve at next County Council meeting on March 25.

Highlights from the Consent Agenda:

• Approval of CISCO Enterprise Support Agreement Renewal 
• Boards and commissions appointments and reappointments
• Approval to enter into Intergovernmental agreement between Beaufort County and SCDOT for Beaufort County Transportation projects

The next Finance, Administration and Economic Development Committee meeting will be Monday, March 18, at 3 p.m.

The next Community Services and Land Use Committee meeting will be Monday, April 8, at 3 p.m.

The next regular County Council meeting will be Monday, March 25, at 5 p.m.

For the complete agenda for all meetings, click here.

To watch all meetings in their entirety, click here.