Jasper County seeking funds for new animal shel

Beaufort County This Week

STORY 1

From the Island Packet

The state legislature is taking steps to give millions to help Jasper County fund a new multi-million dollar animal rescue facility even as the nonprofit group’s leadership has undergone widespread turnover and dysfunction for nearly a year.

As the 2024 session of the General Assembly wraps up this month, Jasper County’s legislators are considering whether — and how — to include money in the state budget for the shelter. Money also would come from the county and other sources.

Few, if anyone, disagree that the dilapidated Jasper County-owned building suffers from issues such as overcrowding, a backed up sewer system, rat infestation, and natural wear and tear. In November, a representative from a Florida nonprofit animal group inspected the Jasper Animal Rescue Mission shelter and offered several suggestions for improvements.

One solution proposed by county officials is construction of an $8 million facility that would be an expansion to the Beaufort County Animal Campus in Okatie. Officials want the state to pay $6.4 million; Jasper County taxpayers would put up the remaining 20%.

Story 2

From the Island Packet

Nearly 10 months after firing their last top executive, in an era described by one council member as a “mess” - county leaders began this week interviewing candidates for a permanent replacement.

“As Chairman of the Beaufort County Council, I am pleased to confirm that interviews for the vacant administrator position are underway,” Council Chair Joe Passiment said. “We are committed to a thorough and transparent selection process to ensure the best candidate is chosen to lead our county forward.”

So far this week the council has had four closed-door executive sessions, two on Monday and two on Tuesday, signaling at least four candidates have been interviewed as of Wednesday. The agendas for the meetings read “to engage in discussions incident to employment, appointment or compensation of a person regulated by a public body.”

One of the candidates is known to the council. According to county spokesperson Hannah Nichols, “John Robinson did apply for the permanent administrator position, and is participating in the interview process.” He has been the interim administrator since late July 2023. It is unknown if he was one of the people who already interviewed this week.

Story 3

From the Island Packet

In Kevin Phillips’ mind, there was no other choice.

“It’s perfect,” the Town of Port Royal Mayor said of Beaufort County Council’s official resolution to name the Beaufort County Library System’s new sixth library location in the Town of Port Royal in honor of former Town of Port Royal Mayor Samuel E. Murray.

Located at 1408 Paris Avenue, the planned library will be the first for the Town of Port Royal.

Mayor Murray served as a member of Town Council for 18 years and as Mayor for six consecutive terms. While in office, Mayor Murray oversaw beautification projects, new infrastructure and expanded the small business community. Mayor Murray was also instrumental in kicking off the redevelopment of the port property.

“It’s wonderful that County Council could recognize Mayor Samuel E. Murray for his many years of service to the Town of Port Royal,” said Council Member Alice Howard. “His dedication to public education in Beaufort County and his commitment to public service to the Town of Port Royal helped make the town what it is today. Honoring his memory with this library branch will be a daily reminder of his legacy.”