Legislative eNews
Government Affairs Update from the Hilton Head Island-
Bluffton Chamber of Commerce -- June 13-17, 2005
Your Chamber of Commerce is the business community's source of information during hurricane operations: www.hiltonheadisland.org
Hurricane preparation tip: Many businesses discover they are inadequately insured only after suffering a loss.
Have you re-visited your insurance coverage recently?
Topic #1 - Luncheon features updates about US 278 widening, Hardeeville rapid growth - A Chamber of Commerce business luncheon scheduled June 22 at noon features SCDOT resident construction engineer Rob McFee discussing the US 278 widening project, and Hardeeville community development director Rob Dewig discussing Hardeeville's rapid growth. The luncheon is being held at Riverside at Belfair, a retirement community located behind the Kroger complex off U.S. 278 in Bluffton. Attendees are asked to RSVP by calling 341-8377 by morning June 21.
Topic #2 - Admissions fee alive and well at the county - A 2.5 percent, countywide admissions fee that would produce an estimated $1.7 million annually for transportation projects won second-round approval by County Council on June 13. Third and final reading is scheduled either later this month or July. The fee would be applied to amusement events and activities. County Council Chairman Weston Newton said the fee is an effort by County Council to diversify sources of revenue instead of raising property taxes. A significant portion of the admissions fee will be paid by visitors to the area. County Council plans to use the dollars to complete the Bluffton Parkway and address other transportation needs.
Topic #3 -- County, School District budgets undergo second reading - Beaufort County Council approved second reading of county and school district budgets on June 13. Third and final readings are scheduled June 27 at 5 p.m., at County Council chambers in Beaufort.
Topic #4 - New stormwater utility rate structure on track at the county - Beaufort County Council on June 13 approved the second of three required readings of a new stormwater utility rate structure that still needs buy-in from the municipalities. Third and final reading is on hold until the municipalities signal they are in agreement with the new rate structure.
Topic #5 - Banner year for state chamber's 'Competitiveness Agenda' - The South Carolina Chamber of Commerce's 'Competitiveness Agenda' for the business community fared extremely well in the 2005 SC legislative session. Successful legislation passed toward the end of the recently-concluded session and signed by the governor included:
Jobs Creation Act - Businesses that create two or more full-time jobs will qualify for a lump-sum tax credit, the amount of which will vary by county and by the jobs' level of compensation.
Education and Economic Development Act - The new law holds potential to reduce the state's drop-out rate and boost the quality of its workforce by focusing student electives around career clusters, enhancing professional development for educators, and establishing alternative programs for at-risk students.
Innovation Centers - In association with the state's three research universities, Innovation Centers will provide research and support for universities and businesses in the state, thereby opening and maintaining a dialogue between the public and private sector.
Tim Bennett
VP for Government Relations
P.O. Box 5647
Hilton Head Island, SC 29938
Office -- (843) 341-8370
Email -- tbennett@hiltonheadisland.org
