During the Beaufort County School Board Finance Committee meeting on October 18, 2024, members raised concerns about unusually high water and sewer bills from the Beaufort Jasper Water and Sewer Authority. A notable bill of $825.81 for the district office in August sparked discussions about potential water leaks and discrepancies in usage among schools.

Committee members highlighted that the district office's bill was significantly higher than those of other facilities, prompting questions about possible inefficiencies or leaks. One member noted that despite the absence of a sprinkler system and limited grounds, the bills seemed disproportionately high. This led to a suggestion to investigate further, particularly in light of recent flooding incidents in the district office and other areas.

Additionally, comparisons between water usage at Battery Creek High School and May River High School revealed that May River's bills were approximately four times higher, raising further questions about the accuracy of the billing and the schools' water usage practices.

The committee agreed to refer these concerns to the operations team for a thorough review, emphasizing the importance of addressing these issues to ensure efficient resource management. The discussions underscored the need for ongoing monitoring of utility expenses and the potential for significant cost savings through improved oversight.