August 19, 2026 Meeting Minutes
The Board of Commissioners of the Beaufort Housing Authority convened a regular meeting on Wednesday. August 19, 2026. at 5:00 p.m., at the Beaufort Housing Authority Conference Room. The meeting was called to order by Chair Ethan M. James, and upon roll call those present and absent were as follows:
Commissioners Present:
- Chaiman Ethan James
- Vice Chair Marilyn Harris, via Zoom
- Commissioner Linda Robinson
- Commissioner William Achurch, via Zoom
- Commissioner Janie Glover
- Commissioner Natassia Allen, via Zoom
Commissioners Not Present:
- None
Staff and Guests attending the meeting included the following:
Staff:
- Aris Hanchard Ferguson, Interim Executive Director;
- Tammy Doe, Financial Administrator.
Guests:
- Ronald T. Scott, Legal Counsel, Haynesworth Sinkler Boyd, P.A. (via Zoom);
- Joseph Dickey, Legal Counsel, Haynesworth Sinkler Boyd, P.A. (via Zoom);
- Sheila Jones, Selenium Consulting (via Zoom);
- Benjanin Quattlebaum (via Zoom);
- Nioka Tompo, Resident;
- Alicia Brown, HCV Participant (via Zoom);
- Naomi Sanders, HCV Participant (via phone)
Call to Order and Roll Call
Chairman James called the meeting to order, took roll, and a quorum was recognized.
Freedom of Information Act Statement
The Interim Executive Director confirmed that the meeting had been publicly noticed, posted, and distributed in compliance with the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act.
Adoption Agenda
Prior to approval of the agenda, Interim Executive Director Ferguson advised the Board that the planned Beaufort Housing Authority portfolio overview under the Executive Director's Report would be tabled because Capital Fund Administrator Adam Couch was unavailable due to illness.
Ms. Ferguson also advised that consideration of the Public Housing Operating Budget under New Business would be tabled until the September meeting to al low staff to incorporate adjustments related to employee health insurance and other updated financial information. Staff will circulate the proposed budget to the Board in advance of the September meeting.
Commissioner Robinson moved to approve the agenda as presented, Commissioner Glover seconded the motion.
Motion carried unanimously.
Approval of Minutes
The Board considered the minutes of the July 22, 2026, Regular Meeting. Commissioner Allen moved to approve the minutes as presented. Commissioner Robinson seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Public Comment
The Board received public comments from several individuals regarding resident concerns and Housing Authority operations.
Resident Nioka Tompo addressed the Board regarding concerns she had previously raised involving staff conduct, the handling of documents, lease renewal communications, income requirements, and directives concerning items at her residence. Ms. Tompo questioned the manner in which her prior complaints had been investigated and requested additional information regarding the Board's review and response. Chairman James and legal counsel advised that the Housing Authority had previously reviewed the matters and provided Ms. Tompo with a written response. Legal counsel further clarified that the public comment period was not intended for extended dialogue or debate with the Board and that the written response previously provided represented the Housing Authority's response to the concerns raised.
Naomi Sanders addressed the Board regarding a grievance she had filed and correspondence concerning vehicle registration requirements on Housing Authority property. Ms. Sanders advised that she had submitted written materials concerning the matter for review.
Alicia Brown, a former Public Housing resident and current Housing Choice Voucher participant, participated virtually and addressed the Board regarding resident concerns and the importance of communication between residents, staff, and the Board, Ms. Brown referenced concerns raised by other residents and encouraged continued attention to resident complaints and public service. She also thanked the Board and staff for their work.
Interim Executive Director's Report
Interim Executive Director Aris Ferguson provided an operational update.
Financial Report
Financial Administrator Tammy Doe reviewed the agency's financial statements, budget-to-actual results, Capital Fund activity, utility expenses, and timing differences. Financial performance was generally tracking close to budget. The anticipated transition to the PEBA insurance program is projected to save approximately $177,000 annually, The Board discussed the FY 2027 Public Housing Operating Budget, which will be updated for the insurance savings and Capital Fund information before presentation for approval. Staff also reported continued work on forensic review recommendations, accounting procedures, revenue allocations, bank controls, and a regular process for tenant account write-offs.
Fleet and Vehicle Disposition
Ms. Ferguson reported that two vehicles approved for disposition were sold through GovDea1s for approximately $ 11,775. The agency also received $13,497.64 in insurance proceeds for a vehicle declared a total loss. These proceeds will help offset the cost of a replacement vehicle.
Carolinas Council Annual Meeting
Ms. Ferguson reported that staff members and Commissioners Robinson and Glover would attend the Carolinas Council of Housing, Redevelopment and Codes Officials Annual Meeting in Myrtle Beach from August 23 through August 26, 2026, for training and professional development.
HUD Plans and Capital Fund Five-year Action Plan
Ms. Ferguson reported that the Housing Authority's Annual Plan, Five-Year Plan, and Capital Fund Five-Year Action Plan had been submitted and approved. The plans include anticipated program activities, RAD redevelopment efforts, and Capital Fund expenditures for the Marsh Point and Sandalwood projects.
Marsh Point Redevelopment
Ms. Ferguson presented two revised conceptual site plans for the Marsh Point redevelopment. The Board discussed tree preservation, building placement, parking, clubhouse location, river-buffer requirements, unit count, construction
considerations, and City requirements. The revised concepts preserve significant legacy trees while maintaining the desired unit count and parking. The plans remain conceptual and subject to City review. The design team and subcommittee were scheduled to meet with City representatives for additional feedback.
RAD and Relocation Update
Ms. Ferguson and redevelopment consultant Sheila provided an update on the HUD/RAD process. Staff is identifying redevelopment units, verifying HUD inventory, and preparing for resident relocation. A relocation consultant is expected to begin on-site household assessments at Sandalwood in early September. Additional RAD work will resume following the tax credit award decision, including the RAD concept call, HUD due diligence, and closing preparation.
Administrative Office Repairs
Ms. Ferguson reported that repairs following water intrusion at the administrative office were substantially complete. Insurance proceeds are expected to cover the remediation and replacement work. New flooring was installed in affected areas and common spaces, improving the condition of the office.
Old Business
There was no old business.
New Business
- Public Housing Operating Budget
Consideration of the Public Housing Operating Budget was tabled until the September 2026 meeting to allow staff to incorporate updated health insurance and Capital Fund information.
No action was taken. - Resolution - Purchase of a 2026 Ford F-250
The Board considered a resolution authorizing the purchase of one 2026 Ford F-250 4x4 SuperCab XL with service body from Parks Ford for a total purchase price of $60,298.00. Staff advised that the vehicle would replace the maintenance vehicle recently declared a total loss and would primarily support unit-turn operations throughout the Housing Authority's portfolio. The service body and additional storage capacity will allow maintenance staff to transport tools, inventory, and materials between Housing Authority properties. Staff reported that pricing had been compared among available options and that the Parks Ford proposal provided the best available price. The Board also discussed the approximately $25,000 in combined insurance and vehicle-disposition proceeds available to offset the replacement cost.
Commissioner Achurch moved to approve the purchase of one 2026 Ford F-250 4x4 SuperCab XL with service body from Parks Ford for a total purchase price of $60,298.00, Commissioner Allen seconded the motion.
Motion carried unanimously.
Executive Session
Commissioner Robinson moved to enter Executive Session for discussion of employment matters related to the Executive Director search pursuant to S.C. Code 30-4-70(a)(l) and to receive legal advice regarding a pending legal claim pursuant to S.C. Code 30-4-70(a)(2). Commissioner Glover seconded the motion.
Motion carried unanimously.
The Board entered Executive Session at 6:16 PM.
Following Executive Session, Commissioner Achurch moved to return to Open Session. Commissioner Glover seconded the motion.
Motion carried unanimously.
The Board returned to Open Session at 7:20 p.m.
Chairman James announced that no votes were taken during Executive Session and no action was required upon returning to Open Session.
Ouestions and Comments: Next Regular Meeting
Ms. Ferguson advised the Board that the Housing Authority is required to designate a hearing officer for matters arising under the South Carolina Debt Setoff Program. Commissioner Worley had previously served in that capacity.
Staff explained that the hearing officer reviews disputes when an individual contests a debt submitted by the Housing Authority for collection through the program. Following discussions Commissioner Allen agreed to serve as the agency's Debt Setoff hearing officer.
The next regular meeting of the Beaufort Housing Authority Board of Commissioners is scheduled for September 16, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.
Adjournment
Commissioner Achurch moved to adjourn the meeting. Commissioner Robinson seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.