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New tax, government change: Here s what Beaufort Co. is considering bringing to voters
The Island Packet 2 hrs ago Kacen Bayless, The Island Packet (Hilton Head Island, S.C.)
Apr. 21 Beaufort County wants to ask the county s voters to decide two major proposals this November, as well as a new transportation tax in 2022.
The two issues proposed for this year a change in the county s form of government and a new tax would be placed on the Nov. 2 ballot if approved by council. They come as the County Council grapples with how to handle disagreements with, and harassment allegations against, its county auditor and as local municipal leaders lobby for a new countywide sales tax.
Beaufort County schools to borrow up to $100M after tax delays
Bluffton Today
The Beaufort County Board of Education approved a plan this month to borrow up to $100 million to cover unpaid expenses caused by delayed county tax bills.
In a related motion, the board also voted to pursue legal action with the county to recoup the estimated $300,000-$350,000 in interest the school district will need to pay from the loan.
The county’s 2020 real property tax bills had been delayed for months. In a typical year, county residents receive tax bills by mid-to-late November, with a due date of Jan. 15. The county began issuing 2020 tax bills earlier this month, with a March 31 due date.
Dispute between Beaufort County officials delays tax bills
Bluffton Today
Beaufort County officials confirmed at a special called meeting this month that property tax bills will not be sent to residents until 2021.
Council approved a resolution Dec. 7 giving residents the option to prepay their 2020 real and personal property taxes beginning Dec. 18.
The delay was caused by a millage rate dispute between council and Auditor Jim Beckert. The time of the bills arrival was not clear as of this week.
Beaufort County filed a multi-layered lawsuit against Beckert in September, the Island Packet has reported. The suit was initially filed because the county alleged that Beckert refused to add a new police service fee to Hilton Head Island property owners’ bills.