Beaufort Water Authority’s Leadership Shake-Up Sparks Controversy and Calls for Transparency

Beaufort’s Water Authority Faces Change and Controversy

Beaufort, a charming city nestled in South Carolina, has been somewhat of an enigma when it comes to its water and sewer services. The Beaufort Jasper Water and Sewer Authority (BJWSA) has quietly provided essential services for 60 years, often hidden from the public eye due to its extensive network of underground pipes and facilities that are often tucked away behind coastal pine trees. But recently, BJWSA has stepped into the spotlight, and changes are stirring a bit of controversy among local leaders.

Shifts in the Board

Just last month, the City of Beaufort made headlines by reappointing Andy Kinghorn to BJWSA’s Board of Directors. Kinghorn had spent six years on the board and played a significant role in reshaping the rules concerning how developers request water and wastewater services. However, much to the surprise of many, the Beaufort County Legislative Delegation rejected this reappointment. Instead, they chose to replace him with architect Grady Wood.

Alongside this unexpected change, the Delegation also turned down the reappointment of Rob McFee, creating a buzz about whether these decisions were politically motivated. Beaufort Mayor Phil Cromer expressed his shock, stating that the situation “appears to be political and personal.”

A Brief History of BJWSA

The BJWSA was established back in 1964, with a mission to serve the water and sewer needs of Beaufort County and its customers, which now includes Bluffton and Hilton Head Island. At its inception, the Authority was designed to include representatives from various governing bodies, ensuring that all local interests were well represented. In the past, the appointments made to the Authority’s Board were typically a formality, easily signed off without controversy. But that landscape seems to be changing.

The Role of Developers

When Kinghorn joined the board, he encountered a significant challenge: the Authority had been facing difficulties with developers who needed water and wastewater capacity. The process to attach to the Authority’s system was perceived as cumbersome and inconsistent. Recognizing this, Kinghorn collaborated with other board members to gather feedback from the development community.

The result? An impressive 195 comments were submitted by developers, offering actionable insights to improve the application process. Over the course of 2023, Kinghorn, along with colleagues Dave Strange and Jeff Ackerman, meticulously combed through the manual and implemented essential changes. They acknowledged that developers would contribute to the overall “betterment” of the water system, earning them due credit for their investment.

New Fee Structures

As a part of these ongoing discussions, the BJWSA also enlisted the help of the engineering consulting firm Black and Beach to assess current capacity fees charged to developers. After thorough research, the firm advised an increase from approximately $7,000 per unit to $16,700 for water and wastewater services. Ultimately, the board decided to phase in the new fee over three years, starting in February 2025, with an initial payment schedule proposed. This significant fee adjustment has naturally raised questions regarding the motivations behind Kinghorn’s and McFee’s rejections.

Calls for Clarity

In response to this shaking of the board, State Senator Tom Davis expressed intentions to seek clarity regarding the recent appointments. He suggested that a public hearing might be warranted to address these unexpected actions taken by the Legislative Delegation.

Moreover, on October 14, the Beaufort County Council discussed the matter in an executive session and decided to motion the Legislative Delegation to reconsider their recent appointments and provide an explanation for their decisions. This motion passed, reflecting a desire for transparency and communication amongst local officials.

The Bigger Picture

As Beaufort looks toward the future, the BJWSA’s growing visibility underscores the importance of its role in shaping water management and infrastructure in the region. While the organization has typically flown under the radar, it appears as if the challenging times ahead—alongside the reshuffling of leadership—are only the beginning of a much larger discussion about the intersection of politics, development, and essential community services.