Community engagement at the Beaufort County Council meeting.
Alice Howard has been elected as the new chairperson of the Beaufort County Council, winning a closely contested vote against incumbent Joe Passiment. Howard’s plans emphasize community transparency and engagement, indicating a shift in leadership style. Major issues, including the Highway 278 project and funding for the Hilton Head bridge, are on her agenda. With new vice chair Tab Tabernik by her side, they aim to address pressing concerns and improve communication with residents. Public workshops are scheduled for community interaction as Howard begins her two-year term.
BEAUFORT – Big news from the Beaufort County Council! On January 2, 2025, Alice Howard, a councilwoman from District 4, claimed victory in a tense vote, becoming the newest chairperson. It was a nail-biter, with Howard edging out incumbent Joe Passiment by a razor-thin margin of 6-5. And guess what? The deciding vote came from councilman Tom Reitz, who dramatically pointed to the audience after casting his vote for Howard.
So, what does this mean for Beaufort County? Well, Howard has set her sights on making the council more transparent and building trust with the community. That’s music to many ears around here! She’s got a two-year term ahead of her and is promising to cut back on executive sessions, aiming for open discussions instead. It sounds like she wants to invite us all into the conversations.
One of the pressing issues on Howard’s agenda is the ongoing Highway 278 project. After a recent sales tax increase proposal was rejected, she’s focused on finding alternative funding sources. It’s no secret that many residents have concerns about how this project impacts daily life. Under Howard’s leadership, residents can expect more involvement and clarity as discussions progress.
Howard’s election marks a shift in leadership, especially since Joe Passiment had been chair since March 2020. His time in office wasn’t without its share of challenges, facing criticism for a perceived lack of transparency. In contrast, Howard aims to flip the script, focusing on communication and collaboration. It’ll be interesting to see how that unfolds.
As Howard steps in, Tab Tabernik from District 6 has been chosen to serve as vice chair. Tabernik may be newer to the council than Howard, joining in 2023, but both have a strong interest in community development. Together, they represent over 17,000 residents from Beaufort and Port Royal and are eager to address challenges that matter most to their constituents.
The council is under pressure—the clock is ticking to secure funding for the Hilton Head bridge project. If they don’t finalize things by March 31, the county risks losing a whopping $120 million from the State Infrastructure Bank. This situation is one that Howard plans to tackle head-on, ensuring the council acts quickly and decisively.
Issues from the past still linger as well. The council has dealt with conflicts over transparency, especially after a controversial audit on spending and a rejected $950 million sales tax referendum. Plus, a recent uproar led to calls for council members to resign due to concerns about a secret meeting surrounding the bridge project. It’s clear the council has seen its share of drama!
Curious citizens will get their first glimpse of how Howard aims to lead during a council workshop scheduled for January 8, followed by a regular session on January 13. These meetings provide an opportunity for the community to engage, ask questions, and participate in local governance under Howard’s new leadership.
Alice Howard’s journey as chairperson is just beginning, and folks in Beaufort are hopeful for a fresh start filled with transparency and community involvement. With the challenges ahead, there’s a renewed sense of excitement about what comes next for this lively council.
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