Members of Beaufort County Council engage in an open meeting focused on community initiatives.
Alice Howard has made history as Beaufort County’s first female County Council Chairman, elected on January 2, 2025. Alongside Vice Chairman Anna Maria Tabernick, they represent a significant shift in leadership dynamics. Their election comes amidst challenges in the county, including the aftermath of a rejected sales tax referendum and a pressing $190 million infrastructure funding gap. Committed to fostering public transparency and community engagement, Howard and Tabernick aim to reshape the council’s operations for the betterment of all residents.
In a thrilling turn of events, Beaufort County has made history by electing its first female County Council Chairman! On January 2, 2025, Alice Howard, who represents District 4, took the gavel after a tense vote that saw her win by a narrow margin of 6 to 5 against her opponent, former Chairman Joe Passiment. Alongside her, Anna Maria Tabernick from District 6 stepped into the role of vice chairman, marking a significant milestone for female representation in county leadership. For the first time, both top positions on the council are held by women!
This leadership change comes at a time when the council has faced various challenges, including public concerns over transparency and disagreements among its members. Passiment, who had been at the helm since March 2020 and previously held the vice chair position, now hands over responsibilities to the newly elected duo. The dynamics within the council are sure to shift under Howard and Tabernick’s leadership as they work to rebuild trust and harmonize operations.
Alice Howard has been a member of the County Council since 2015, while her colleague, Anna Maria Tabernick, joined the council in 2022. Howard’s nomination for the chair came from Councilman David Bartholomew, showcasing the support she has within the council. With a lot of experience under her belt, Howard is primed to spearhead initiatives aimed at addressing ongoing issues within the county.
The new leadership arrives on the heels of a tumultuous year. In November 2024, voters rejected a hefty $950 million sales tax referendum, which has left the council grappling with a $190 million funding gap for essential infrastructure projects. The urgency to fix the infrastructure has never been more critical, especially with the approaching deadline for funding the Hilton Head bridge project by March 31. With the clock ticking, the council’s focus will be laser sharp on uncovering the necessary funds to prevent further delays on essential projects that serve the entire community.
One of the highlights of Howard and Tabernick’s vision includes increasing openness and fostering public consensus. They both recognize the importance of creating a platform for effective communication with residents, aiming to engage constituents in a way that enhances decision-making and transparency. How they achieve this will be observed with keen interest in the coming months.
In addition to elevating communication, Tabernick emphasized the importance of prioritizing the needs of the overall county rather than focusing solely on individual districts. This shift in perspective is a refreshing approach that aims to foster cooperation among council members and improve service to all residents of Beaufort County.
Howard and Tabernick have committed to conducting all council business in public sessions rather than in closed executive meetings. This transparency could represent a significant change in how the council interacts with the public. Residents can expect to see more of their council at open meetings, where they can engage with the representatives and raise issues directly affecting their communities.
As Alice Howard and Anna Maria Tabernick embark on their new roles, there’s a contagious buzz of anticipation in the air. With their experience and fresh viewpoints, these leaders are ready to navigate the uncharted waters of challenges ahead. The new era of leadership in Beaufort County promises to be full of potential, dedicated to transparency and community engagement. As the council tackles pressing issues and embraces its new direction, all eyes will be on them to see how they reshape the future of the county!
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