Hilton Head faces funding dilemma for critical land purchase
August 27, 2024 | Beaufort County, South Carolina
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In a recent government meeting, officials discussed significant developments regarding the purchase of the Mitchellville property, the relocation of St. James Church and Cherry Hill School, and preparations for the upcoming November elections.
The town of Hilton Head has submitted the highest bid of $11.745 million for the Mitchellville property, which was part of a quiet title action. However, a subsequent appraisal valued the property at only $9.85 million, creating a shortfall of $1.895 million needed to finalize the purchase by the September 2 deadline. To address this, a proposal was made for Beaufort County to contribute $9.875 million based on the lower appraisal, while Hilton Head would cover the remaining $1.895 million. A third-party appraiser may be brought in to assess the validity of the appraisals post-closing, ensuring an equitable resolution for both parties.
Additionally, the relocation of St. James Church and the historic Cherry Hill School, which is necessary for safety reasons due to their proximity to the airport runway, was discussed. The estimated cost for the relocation and construction of new facilities ranges from $7.2 million to $9.2 million. Currently, $4.7 million has been secured from the state, with an additional $2 million anticipated in future appropriations. The town of Hilton Head is willing to convey a five-acre site valued at $1.2 million to St. James, which would facilitate the relocation. A matching contribution from the county is proposed to cover the remaining costs.
Lastly, preparations for the November elections are underway, with projections indicating a 47% increase in voter turnout compared to 2022. To accommodate this growth, additional election equipment costing between $600,000 and $700,000 is required. The state election commission has approved funding for the necessary equipment, ensuring that it will be available for the upcoming voting process.
These discussions highlight the ongoing efforts of local government to address community needs and ensure a smooth electoral process in the face of significant changes and challenges.
The town of Hilton Head has submitted the highest bid of $11.745 million for the Mitchellville property, which was part of a quiet title action. However, a subsequent appraisal valued the property at only $9.85 million, creating a shortfall of $1.895 million needed to finalize the purchase by the September 2 deadline. To address this, a proposal was made for Beaufort County to contribute $9.875 million based on the lower appraisal, while Hilton Head would cover the remaining $1.895 million. A third-party appraiser may be brought in to assess the validity of the appraisals post-closing, ensuring an equitable resolution for both parties.
Additionally, the relocation of St. James Church and the historic Cherry Hill School, which is necessary for safety reasons due to their proximity to the airport runway, was discussed. The estimated cost for the relocation and construction of new facilities ranges from $7.2 million to $9.2 million. Currently, $4.7 million has been secured from the state, with an additional $2 million anticipated in future appropriations. The town of Hilton Head is willing to convey a five-acre site valued at $1.2 million to St. James, which would facilitate the relocation. A matching contribution from the county is proposed to cover the remaining costs.
Lastly, preparations for the November elections are underway, with projections indicating a 47% increase in voter turnout compared to 2022. To accommodate this growth, additional election equipment costing between $600,000 and $700,000 is required. The state election commission has approved funding for the necessary equipment, ensuring that it will be available for the upcoming voting process.
These discussions highlight the ongoing efforts of local government to address community needs and ensure a smooth electoral process in the face of significant changes and challenges.
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