Jasper may get more BJWSA representation

COLUMBIA -- Jasper County residents will probably have to wait until next year for the Legislature to consider giving them a louder voice on the Beaufort Jasper Water & Sewer Authority.

Last week Sen. Clementa Pinckney, D-Ridgeland, introduced a bill, S. 1426, to create two new seats for Jasper County residents. It would increase the Authority’s total board membership from nine to 11 and double Jasper County’s representation from two to four members.

The Beaufort Jasper Water & Sewer Authority supplies the counties’ drinking water and treats wastewater.
General manager Dean Moss said staff went over the bill with Pinckney and Sen. Catherine Ceips, R-Beaufort, last week to make technical corrections.

The proposed additions to the Authority will make it “much more equitable, looking at population and activity,” Moss said.

Since this is the last week of the 2007-2008 legislative session, Pinckney’s bill, which would have to be given space on a crowded legislative calendar, may run out of time. Given that, the measure would have to be reintroduced next session.

“It’s not going to make it this year,” said Moss. “We’ll get it in first thing next session.”

He said the late date of the bill’s introduction was due to problems with the bill’s language. Corrections were made to ensure the changes in the Authority recognized the most recent changes to the board’s composition, which added a representative for Bluffton.

Fundraiser for deputy scheduled at drive-in

A fundraiser for Beaufort County Deputy Sheriff Michael Brewton who has been diagnosed with cancer, will be held this weekend at the Hwy. 21 Drive-In.

The Saturday and Sunday event will feature games for the children, face-painting and inflatable jumping opportunites and a yard sale for the adults.

Proceeds from the event will go to help Brewton, who has been with the sheriff’s department for 13 years, with medical fees.

A variety of local bands will be playing throughout the day. Activities begin at 9 a.m. and continue until 7 p.m. on Saturday, 1 to 5 p.m. on Sunday.

The event is being sponsored by Gospel Light Christian Ministries, Stokes Brown Toyota, Sea Eagle Seafood Market and Budget Print.

BMH parking garage plans are delayed

Plans for an $11 million parking garage at Beaufort Memorial Hospital are on hold, according to President & CEO Rick Toomey.

“We plan to explore new alternatives and make a final decision on whether to move forward with the five-level parking garage by this fall,” Toomey said.

“An opportunity to purchase land might give us the expansion space we need to accommodate future growth requirements. This would help address the parking needs we have for our patients, family members, visitors, doctors and employees.”

Toomey said keeping a hospital up-to-date with technology and facilities is a difficult financial balance, so the idea of spending $11 million on parking is not taken lightly. Being open to new options before the construction contract has been signed is important.

“We’re not saying we won’t build the garage,” Toomey said. “However, we certainly have a lot of other important improvements we could invest in with that money, which would directly impact patient care. That’s why it’s important for us to make sure we have evaluated all options before moving forward.”

Hospital administrators will evaluate options and make the best long-term decision for the hospital and the community, Toomey said.

City council votes to cancel meetings

The Beaufort City Council recently voted to cancel summer meetings on the following dates:
* Council meeting July 22;
* Council meeting Aug. 12;
* Council work session Aug. 5; and,
* Redevelopment commission meeting Aug. 7.

Junior League accepting project applications

The Junior League of Savannah South Carolina Lowcountry Projects Committee is now accepting requests for project applications.

In addition to ongoing community projects and grants, the South Carolina Lowcountry members undertake several community projects during the year in support of women’s and children’s advocacy.

Activities are generally scheduled over one day, typically on a Saturday or Sunday.

The applicant organization must be a non-profit organization with a 501(c)3 status and must have a commitment to volunteerism.

Projects cannot be part of a fund-raising event and must be within the geographic boundaries of the Junior League of Savannah, South Carolina Lowcountry Projects territory.

Applications are available online at www.jrleaguesav.org or by calling (843) 301-1122. The application deadline is June 10.