Beaufort Finds Itself in Water Authority Controversy
In the charming city of Beaufort, there’s a discussion brewing around the Beaufort Jasper Water and Sewer Authority (BJWSA) that residents are finding hard to ignore. For most of its 60-year history, BJWSA has operated largely behind the scenes, with its infrastructure camouflaged by towering coastal pines and miles of buried pipes. However, now that façade is beginning to crack as the Authority’s role is becoming more significant—and let’s just say, a bit controversial.
A Shocking Turn of Events
Recently, the City of Beaufort decided to reappoint Andy Kinghorn, a board member who has served for six years. He was a crucial player in reshaping the rules regarding how developers access water and wastewater services. When this reappointment went to the Beaufort County Legislative Delegation, however, the ballot didn’t go as planned—Kinghorn was unceremoniously replaced by an architect named Grady Wood. This unexpected turn of events caught the attention of Beaufort’s Mayor, Phil Cromer, who expressed his disbelief, arguing that the decision felt “political and personal.”
Understanding the Authority’s Board
To really get a grip on what’s happening, we have to look at the roots of BJWSA. It was established in 1964, with a charter allowing governmental bodies like the Beaufort County Council, Jasper County Council, the City of Beaufort, and others to appoint members to the governing board. Over the years, as new communities joined the fold, the board expanded, incorporating representatives from Bluffton, Hardeeville, and Hilton Head Island.
In the past, appointments to this board were typically a formality—just a green light from the Legislative Delegation and an official nod from the Governor. But Kinghorn’s reappointment hit a snag, which raises questions about the political landscape in our area.
Kinghorn’s Contributions
Kinghorn came to the BJWSA board with a wealth of expertise as an engineer and had even worked at the Authority before his appointment. Upon joining, it became clear that the Authority faced challenges. Developers were expressing frustration about obtaining necessary water and wastewater capacity, with the existing process being seen as cumbersome and inconsistent.
Following Kinghorn’s arrival, an in-house effort was already underway to rework the application process. By February 2023, a new manual was introduced, but the changes were met with pushback from the development community. To address these concerns, Kinghorn, along with other board members, actively sought feedback and received a flood of 195 comments from developers. Out of those, a whopping 185 suggestions proved valuable, leading to significant changes in BJWSA policy.
The Rising Tide of Fees
In addition to policy reforms, the board also put their ear to the ground about capacity fees charged to developers. After consulting with an engineering firm, it was decided that the Authority could raise these fees significantly—from about $7,000 per unit to a staggering $15,000 per unit, rolled out over three years starting in 2025. This change could understandably create tension among developers, and one can’t help but wonder if this played a role in Kinghorn’s removal.
Community Reaction
The backlash from these unexpected board changes hasn’t gone unnoticed. State Senator Tom Davis spoke about putting a hold on new appointments and suggested a public hearing could be beneficial to glean insight into the reasons behind Kinghorn’s and another board member’s departure. Meanwhile, Beaufort County Council recently held an executive session where members voiced their concerns. They subsequently voted to ask the Legislative Delegation to reconsider their recent actions.
Looking Ahead
With so much going on, residents of Beaufort are left to ponder what the future holds for the BJWSA. Will Kinghorn’s departure have a lasting impact on the Authority’s operations? As discussions loom, the community remains eager to find answers—after all, access to clean water is vital for any community. This unfolding story certainly has the potential to reshape the landscape of Beaufort and Jasper counties.
