Eye on Beaufort County

When property values increase, Beaufort County rolls back property tax rates to bring in the same amount of revenue. But if property values show a decline after next year’s county-wide reassessment, can the county increase millage rates?

Officials discussed the question at an executive committee meeting Monday. The short answer: They aren’t sure, but they’re going to find out.

Monday, Feb. 28: Executive Committee; County Council
Tuesday, March 1: Public Facilities Committee
Wednesday, March 2: Alcohol and Drug Abuse Board; Stormwater Management Utility Board
Thursday, March 3: Council Annual Planning Retreat; Parks and Leisure Services Advisory Board
Friday, March 4: Council Annual Planning Retreat
Saturday, March 5: Council Annual Planning Retreat

The Town of Yemassee passed a resolution Friday opposing Beaufort County’s plan to buy a 165-acre industrial park for $2.5 million.

A statement addressed to Beaufort County Council reads, “The Town of Yemassee is opposed to the use of taxpayer funds to purchase and operate Industrial Parks.” It is signed by the town’s mayor and four of its council members.

Monday, Feb. 14: Finance Committee; County Council
Tuesday, Feb. 15: Bluffton Township Fire Commission; Disabilities and Special Needs Board; Construction Adjustments and Appeals Board
Wednesday, Feb. 16: Development Review Team; Daufuskie Island Fire Commission
Thursday, Feb. 17: Airports Board; Beaufort Jasper Economic Opportunity Authority

Three area governments will hear an update Thursday on the speed camera system operated by Ridgeland on Interstate 95.

Officials will discuss the cameras at a joint meeting of Jasper County Council, Town of Ridgeland Council and City of Hardeeville Council.

Beaufort County staff members are beginning to examine and evaluate county-owned land, hoping to identify superfluous properties and possibly sell them.

But you don’t have to be on a government payroll to scout out the county’s odd-shaped parcels, rights of way or abandoned railroad. Anyone can use the online PropertyMax system to find land owned by the county — or anyone else, for that matter. The database includes sale dates, market value and even satellite maps.

Monday, Feb. 7: Finance Committee; Public Safety Committee
Wednesday, Feb. 9: Southern Corridor Review Board
Thursday, Feb. 10: Rural and Critical Lands Preservation Board

If Beaufort County Council decides to buy the $2.5 million Beaufort Commerce Park, residents will foot the bill through their property taxes. How much that would add to your annual property tax invoice depends on the value of your home and the rate at which you are taxed.

Tuesday, Feb. 1: Natural Resources Committee
Wednesday, Feb. 2: Development Review Team; Stormwater Management Utility Board
Thursday, Feb. 3: Parks and Leisure Services Advisory Board

Monday, Jan. 24: Alcohol and Drug Abuse Board; Executive Committee; County Council

Tuesday, Jan. 25: Public Facilities Committee; Beaufort Memorial Hospital Board; Lowcountry Regional Transportation Authority; Board of Elections and Voter Registration; Burton Fire Commission

Thursday, Jan. 27: Beaufort-Jasper Water and Sewer Authority; Solid Waste and Recycling Board; Zoning Board of Appeals; Lowcountry Council of Governments Board

Friday, Jan. 28: Northern Regional Plan Implementation Committee