A Note from Mayor John McCann
Our Comprehensive Plan a Reflection of Excellence
I was thrilled to hear that our recently adopted comprehensive plan earned the 2020 Outstanding Planning Project, awarded by the South Carolina Chapter of the American Planning Association (SCAPA) at its winter conference. What an amazing achievement!
The award not only reflects the work of our town staff, including former Town Manager Steve Riley, but also the work and energy of hundreds of community volunteers who came together to help write this comprehensive document, titled “Our Plan.” I have written about Our Plan in previous columns, and we are using it to set and guide the direction of Hilton Head Island.
Our Plan was among the topics of discussion at our recent town council workshop. Staff reviewed the ongoing town council priorities and discussed integrating implementation of “Our Plan” and other priorities with ongoing work. We used our time to identify areas of alignment between the goals within each of the core values covered in the comprehensive plan and our strategic outcomes: exceptional quality of life, prosperity and innovation, and best-in-class services and facilities.
One of the core values in Our Plan is relentless pursuit of excellence. The town and the community seek and expect excellence across everything we do. That begins with our comprehensive plan, which indeed is an excellent body of work. The award we have received is a testament of that core value. SCAPA planning awards recognize outstanding efforts and achievements that advance the art and science of planning in South Carolina. This award recognizes the contributions of volunteers and town officials in the compilation of an engaging official document that represents the multidimensional Hilton Head Island community and provides a clear, aspirational direction for the future that will serve the town for many years.
To review Our Plan, visit hiltonheadislandsc.gov.
A Note from Mayor Lisa Sulka
Financial Report Card
Below are a couple of updates from our finance department. We are so lucky to have such a professional group of men and women in this department and are thankful for their dedication to our town.
FY2020 Financial Audit
The financial audit for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2020 was completed by Mauldin & Jenkins, and an unmodified (clean) opinion was rendered. The Town of Bluffton Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) is available on the town website.
The Governmental Funds Financial Statements are a detailed short-term view that depict financial resources available to finance the town’s programs. Revenues have increased over the prior year in the town’s budgeted funds, with property tax revenue increasing 8.3% and a slight decrease (1.2%) in licenses and permits revenue.
Total expenditures decreased approximately $400,000, with the Capital Improvements Program Fund decreasing from $6.5 million in the prior year to $5.2 million in the current year. Additionally, General Fund expenditures increased $800,000 due to the addition of staff and equipment for Community Safety and Policing.
The General Fund balance remains strong with an increase of approximately $1.4 million, due to the strong performance of revenues and conservative spending. On June 30, 2020, the Town’s General Fund had an unassigned (unrestricted) fund balance of approximately $12.1 million or 70% of the fiscal year expenditures.
GO Bond for Stormwater Projects
The Town of Bluffton Strategic Plans calls for continuously improving the water quality and economic viability of the May River and surrounding rivers and watersheds. The FY2021 budget and capital improvement plan include several sewer projects that align with this plan. These projects were approved with anticipation of the general obligation bond offering, that will be supported with an increase in Stormwater Utility fees.
On December 3, 2020, the Town of Bluffton sold 20-year General Obligation Bonds, Series 2020A with a par value of $5,080,000 and a true interest cost rate of 1.53%, taking advantage of favorable interest rates and the town’s strong financial position.
Current sewer projects include:
• Buckwalter Place Multi-County Commerce Park
• Buck Island-Simmonsville Sewer
• Historic District Sewer Extension (Phase 1 thru Phase 6)
• Bridge Street Streetscape
Additional sewer projects planned for future approval and coordination with partnering jurisdictions include:
• Historic District Drainage Master Plan
• Stoney Crest Campground/Old Palmetto Bluff Road
• Old Town Gravity Sewer
You can find more information regarding our financial health on our website, at townofbluffton.sc.gov.
