Beaufort County Public Facilities Committee Meeting May 18, 2026

The Beaufort County Public Facilities Committee meeting held on May 18, 2026, focused extensively on several procurement and capital improvement topics. Key discussions included amendments to the waterways ordinance to regulate commercial barge operations and ensure fair access, with motions passed to move the ordinance forward to county council as time-sensitive. The committee also approved a motion to conduct a feasibility study for potentially purchasing and repurposing the former Glass Works property for public works use, pending a more concrete cost estimate. Additionally, the committee reviewed and approved multiple contract awards and change orders related to the Buckwalter Recreation Athletic Complex expansion, including a $5.13 million construction contract and a sports lighting change order. Other procurement actions included acceptance of drainage easements and awarding a contract for Bay Pines drainage improvements. The committee also discussed and recommended a transportation sales tax referendum ordinance estimated to generate $780 million over eight years, with debate on including unprepared foods in the tax base. Lastly, a lease agreement with the General Services Administration for TSA use at Hilton Head Island Airport was approved. Overall, the meeting advanced several significant procurement and capital projects with motions passed to move items forward to county council for final approval.