Beaufort County Faces Legal Leadership Changes Amid Controversy
Beaufort County is entering a period of transition in its legal department, following the announcements of both the county attorney’s resignation and a retirement. The county is now on the lookout for new legal leadership, setting the stage for a fresh chapter in its governance.
Brittany Ward Resigns Effective December 2nd
County Attorney _Brittany Ward_ made headlines with her resignation, which is set to take effect on December 2nd. The timing of her departure is notable, as it comes amid ongoing scrutiny and an independent investigation linked to allegations of improper actions. However, county spokesperson _Hannah Nichols_ clarified that Ward’s resignation was submitted about two weeks before any allegations emerged from the community.
According to Nichols, the county received a citizen complaint regarding Ward, prompting the matter to be handed over to law enforcement for a thorough review. While the county remains tight-lipped about the specifics, they are committed to taking all allegations seriously, stating, “We want to assure the citizens of Beaufort County that we take all allegations of impropriety seriously.”
The Land Sale Controversy
One point of concern regarding Ward relates to her representation of her parents in a land sale to the county. Reports indicate that her parents, Michael and Julienne Orr, bought a 1.8-acre parcel at 20 Barrel Landing Road for $290,000 and later sold it to the county for $434,000, netting them a profit of $144,000. This situation has raised eyebrows and fueled the scrutiny surrounding her role.
Thomas Keaveny’s Retirement
Meanwhile, _Thomas Keaveny_, who served as the county attorney previously, officially retired earlier this month after having announced his retirement in July. His tenure was marked by various controversies, including the authorization of consulting contracts for former county employees. His leadership was also questioned when he attempted to introduce a contentious ordinance that would allow the council chairman to remove disruptive public speakers. This proposal was met with criticism and concerns about free speech rights.
Keaveny’s time in office was not without its bumps, including a demotion from county attorney to deputy attorney in early 2020, along with a pay cut. He later had a brief promotional comeback to the county attorney role, but the shadows of past decisions lingered over his leadership.
Interim Management Setup
With both positions in a state of flux, the county’s deputy attorneys, _Dylan Kidd_ and _Brian Hulbert_, will temporarily manage the caseloads formerly held by Ward and Keaveny. The county is actively seeking new talent to fill these critical legal roles permanently, with hopes that fresh leadership will help restore confidence in the legal department.
The shift in leadership comes at a time when Beaufort County is dealing with a remarkable number of ethics complaints against various county officials. There were nine complaints lodged in total, involving current and former officials, including the former Parks and Recreation Director, former Administrator, and even former Capital Improvement Projects Director. The county continues to navigate these complexities as it looks ahead to a new legal strategy.
Looking Ahead
The transition within Beaufort County’s legal framework raises questions about the future direction of its governance and the implications of these leadership changes. As the county strives to address public concerns and restore trust, the upcoming appointment of new attorneys will surely be under the microscope.
As we await further developments, the citizens of Beaufort County are encouraged to stay informed and engaged with the ongoing transitions in their local government.
