Exciting News in Hardeeville: Meet Our New City Manager!
Hardeeville, South Carolina, is buzzing with excitement after the City Council announced the appointment of Josh Gruber as the new City Manager. During a heartwarming press conference held at City Hall on August 22, the Council and staff warmly welcomed Josh, his wife Ashley, and their two sons, Tyler and Connor at the front door. It was a memorable moment filled with smiles, handshakes, and a bright vision for the future of our growing community.
A Familiar Face with Local Expertise
Josh Gruber comes to Hardeeville with an impressive background in local governance. Currently serving as the Deputy Town Manager in Hilton Head since 2018, he is no stranger to the Lowcountry. His previous experience includes a variety of roles in Beaufort County for seven years, such as County Attorney, Deputy County Administrator, and even Interim County Administrator. With such a vast resume, it’s no surprise the Council was thrilled to find someone as qualified as Josh to take the helm.
What sets Josh apart is not just his credentials, but his valuable legal expertise. As Hardeeville faces the exciting challenges of growth and development, having someone with an understanding of the legal framework will be immensely beneficial. Moreover, Josh’s established relationships with officials across the counties and municipal leaders will surely help in navigating future projects. The Council is confident that his ability to collaborate will foster a more cohesive community.
Next Steps for Hardeeville
Josh Gruber will officially begin his role on November 1, 2024, and there’s a palpable sense of anticipation about what his leadership will bring. The City Council has plans to host various events that will facilitate a warm welcome for the Gruber family into our Hardeeville community. A key focus of these gatherings will be to introduce Josh and his family to citizens and business owners alike, allowing everyone to get to know them better.
Reflecting on the recent City Council activities, Mayor Pro Tempore Bo White played an instrumental role in the search process for a new City Manager, alongside Councilman John Carroll. Both Bo and John are seasoned members of the Council and have expressed their commitment to running for reelection this coming November. In fact, Bo and John will compete against local resident Landon Papay for two available council seats.
Election Updates and Local Engagement
Speaking of elections, it’s important to note that there will be no competition for the mayoral position, meaning I will continue to serve as Mayor for another four years. It’s an exciting time for Hardeeville, and I am eager to work alongside Josh to bring new opportunities to our town.
Moreover, the community has to keep an eye on a special election occurring on November 5 to fill the vacancy left by Jasper County Councilman Coy Garbade, who passed away in June. The primary election recently featured Chris VanGeison as the winner for the Republican Party and Misael Garzon as the Democrat nominee. As always, it’s crucial for residents to learn about these candidates, as they will shape our local governance and community safety.
Local Infrastructure Matters
In addition to the new leadership and upcoming elections, the Hardeeville City Council has also been focusing on improving infrastructure. In August, multiple traffic studies highlighted the need for improvements in key areas of the town, particularly along major roads like SC170 and 278. With traffic heavily influenced by workers, tourists, and residents alike, these improvements are essential for safe and efficient travel and even serve as evacuation routes.
The financial needs for these projects total approximately $99.5 million, with several key projects outlined in the Jasper County’s Transportation Sales Tax Referendum. Future reports will clarify the specific improvements planned, ensuring residents are kept informed.
In a heartwarming community initiative, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on August 1 for The Freedom House, a shelter designed for families transitioning from homelessness. Operated by Family Promise of Beaufort and Jasper County, this project reflects the community’s determination to assist those in need.
Looking Forward
With new leadership and important projects on the horizon, Hardeeville is truly poised for exciting times ahead. From welcoming the Grubers to engaging in local elections and bolstering our community infrastructure, there’s a sense of optimism about what lies ahead. As we move forward together, let’s continue to support one another and create a vibrant, thriving environment for all residents.
