Legislative eNews-OCTOBER 13
Local
County Considers Raising Impact Fees
Beaufort county council met on Monday evening and heard from several local developers and homebuilders about the cost of raising impact fees by an estimated $3000 per home.
The council is prepared to meet on October 23 for a third and final reading of the impact fee increase, which has wide support among council members. The county is also working with the municipalities to ensure that impact fees are consistent among local governmental jurisdictions. It is important to note that impact fees can be used only to deal with additional infrastructure needs due to future growth – not currently projected roads, library and park needs.
County Immigration Meeting
The Beaufort County Community Service and Public Safety Committee met on Wednesday evening to continue the discussion about the immigration ordinance proposed by Councilwoman Starletta Hairston. The meeting was attended by chamber staff, citizens, media, as well as Beaufort County Sheriff P.J. Tanner.
The proposed ordinance would amend the county’s business license fee program with additional requirements on businesses to certify the legal status of workers. A draft of the ordinance is on the county’s homepage at www.bcgov.net, however, significant changes were requested to be made before the ordinance is considered at the next county council meeting on October 23.
Several questions were raised by council members, municipal staff, and the sheriff pertaining to the feasibility of the plan and its impact on the business community. At the end of the meeting, it was clear that many more questions need to be resolved before the full Council can proceed with consideration of the draft ordinance.
County Smoking Ban
The Beaufort County Community Service and Public Safety Committee met on Wednesday, Councilman Mark Generales discussed the county adopting a smoking ban in public places similar to the one currently before the Hilton Head Town Council. However, further action on a countywide smoking ban depends upon the outcome of a case before a circuit court judge considering a challenge to a recently approved smoking ban on Sullivan's Island, SC. The ruling is expected in the next few weeks.
Bluffton Parkway Update
Beaufort County officials have scheduled public information meetings on Phases 5A and 5B of the Bluffton Parkway Project. Maps of the updated “study corridors” can be seen from 6-8 p.m. this coming Tuesday and Thursday at Bluffton High School. The status and anticipated schedule of the Bluffton Parkway project will be explained at the meetings as well. Changes have been made to the routes that were presented to the public this last August which minimize the direct impact on several neighborhoods and other personal property.
County Approves Funding for Tourism Marketing
The council approved the distribution of $350,000 from the 3 percent accommodations-tax pool, which is earmarked for tourism-related spending. The money will go to the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce and other area chambers.
Citizens for Road Referendum
Please join us to learn about the county referendum to make our roads safer and less congested!
When: Monday, October 16th from 4:00-5:00 pm
Where: Palmetto Electric, Hilton Head Island
