New County Chief Spearheads Efforts to Rectify Daufuskie Island Ferry Situation
BEAUFORT– The new county administrator of Beaufort County is off to an assertive start. Michael Moore, the incumbent, recently announced the county’s discontentment with the operations of the Daufuskie Island ferry. The county attorneys are making arrangements to officially notify the ferry operators of the perceived breach of contract.
For the past six months, County Council meetings have been flooded with residents from Daufuskie Island who are displeased with the current ferry service. The ferry grievances range from inadequate boats to irregular schedules which are adversely affecting tourism.
Previously, the interim county administrator had contracted with Lowcountry Ferry after seven years of collaboration with Haig Point Community Association. The contract was awarded to Lowcountry Ferry as the lowest bidder at $365,000 compared to Haig Point’s $1.02 million bid.
However, complaints surfaced soon after the new contractor started providing services. Additional concerns also include a potential federal lawsuit due to violations under the Americans Disabilities Act.
Moore Steps Up
Prior to Moore’s appointment, the County Council had spent countless hours in private deliberations over the ferry contract. However, it was not until Moore took over the reins on July 1 that actions were initiated.
Observers are intrigued about Moore’s forthcoming strategies relative to the myriad challenges he faces. These include hiring a new chief financial officer, initiating a campaign for a transportation sales tax, and finding a solution for the Pine Island development agreement that has entwined county and private attorneys for a year.
Zoning Appeals Board Facing Challenges
In an increasingly busy society, attending governmental meetings is often seen as a burden unless personal interests are involved. However, attentive citizens could glean a lot about community happenings from these events. A case in point is the recent Beaufort County Zoning Board of Appeals meeting.
The board discussed requests for short-term rental approvals and a proposal for a large church camp and retreat center on Lady’s Island. The proposed plans have caused conflict among residents, leading to the board postponing the discussion.
Supreme Court Supports Beaufort Ordinance
Last month, the US Supreme Court ruling, which prohibits homeless individuals from sleeping in public places, reinstated what Beaufort City Council had initiated four years ago.
In response to complaints regarding homeless individuals overnighting in public parks, the City Council passed an ordinance in 2020 prohibiting “camping” in parking lots and parks. Over the past two years, this ordinance has lead to the issuance of two citations and ten warnings.
In January 2022, Beaufort County Council passed a similar ordinance when they discovered a homeless individual camping outside the County Council chambers. The new rule allows homeless individuals sleeping or camping on county-owned properties to be arrested and charged. This enabled a person with documented mental issues to be placed in jail when lodging attempts failed.
