No rain on this parade
BEAUFORT – This group does love a parade!
After a two-year absence associated to COVID, the Parris Island Marine Corps Band was out in entrance on Memorial Day, main the parade of navy items, Gullah entertainers and politicians down the principle streets of Beaufort.
In contrast to the Christmas and Water Pageant parades, the Memorial Day parade, organized by the native chapter of Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil Conflict, allowed political campaigning from the collaborating items. With the June 14 primaries approaching and the early voting interval now open, greater than a half-dozen native candidates had been there, waving and soliciting help.
The elected Beaufort Metropolis Council members floated down the road together with a automobile from the native Democratic Get together.
Crimson, white and blue had been the colours of the day and the help for many who had served the nation was proudly on show.
Let’s hope all these of us present as much as forged a poll … whether or not pink or blue.
Making budgets: The not-so-fun a part of authorities
BEAUFORT – Definitely not all native politicians took half in Monday’s parade. Maybe they had been out campaigning elsewhere or resting up for the controversy forward on county, municipal and faculty board budgets.
Ah, budgets, not a horny topic or very attention-grabbing for many, … till your property tax invoice arrives within the fall and you might, or could not, be in for a shock.
Beginning with the County Council, they’ve given the primary of three vital votes to a $142 million 2023 working finances, which doesn’t require, at this level, a millage improve.
The County Council additionally has to bless the county faculty board’s $298 million finances which is projected to require a 4 mill improve. However bear in mind, main owners would not have to pay taxes on faculty operations, solely second-home house owners.
The Beaufort Metropolis Council is a $30.7 million working finances which displays a 13 % improve however no tax will increase. They’ve bought a public listening to and first of two vital votes of approval on the June 14 agenda.
The Port Royal City Council is engaged on an $8 million working finances which would be the topic of a public listening to this week.
Within the coming weeks, there will probably be extra particulars on these spending plans.
On the similar time, the county and municipal powers-to-be need to give you a decision on the problem of affect charges on new improvement whose new house owners will create extra demand for companies like extra libraries, parks and leisure amenities, highway enhancements.
Working budgets, taxes, affect charges, … as if we may neglect, there isn’t any free lunch.
Another piece of lowdown
BEAUFORT – It’s formally Hurricane season and also you’re going to be listening to quite a bit about getting ready. Certainly, the primary tropical storm of the Atlantic Coast season has already fashioned off the coast of Mexico.
For those who’re new to the realm, stay calm. This, too, shall move.
Lolita Huckaby Watson is a group volunteer and former reporter/ editorial assistant/columnist with The Beaufort Gazette, The Savannah Morning News, Bluffton At present, Beaufort At present and The Robesonian (Lumberton, N.C.). She could be reached at bftbay@gmail.com.
