September 16, 2026 Board Meeting Minutes
The Board of Commissioners of the Beaufort Housing Authority convened a special meeting on Wednesday, September 16, 2026. at 5:01 p.m. The meeting was called to order by Chair Ethan M. James, and upon roll call those present and absent were as follows:
Commissioners Present:
- Chairman Ethan James
- Vice Chair Marilyn Harris
- Commissioner William Achurch
- Commissioner Linda Robinson
- Commissioner Janie Glover
- Commissioner Natassia Allen
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);
- Ben Quattlebaum (via Zoom).
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 of Agenda
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 August 19, 2026 Regular Meeting and September 9, 2026 Special Meeting. Commissioner Robinson moved to approve both sets of minutes as presented, Commissioner Church seconded the motion.
Motion carried unanimously.
Public Comment
Benjamin Quattlebaum, the Housing Authority's Executive Director Search Consultant, addressed the Board to express his appreciation for the opportunity to assist the agency and acknowledged the cooperation of Interim Executive Director Aris Ferguson, legal counsel, and the Board.
Mr. Quattlebaum presented a written summary highlighting accomplishments during Ms. Ferguson's tenure, including organizational restructuring, recruitment and replacement of key personnel, expanded staff training, improvements in financial management and internal controls, Capital Fund administration, fleet modernization, and progress toward the RAD redevelopment of Sandalwood and Marsh Point.
The Board expressed its appreciation for Mr. Quattlebaum's remarks and recognized Ms. Ferguson's contributions to the Housing Authority.
Interim Executive Director's Report
Interim Executive Director Aris Ferguson provided updates regarding redevelopment activities and agency operations.
RAD Redevelopment and Resident Engagement
Ms. Ferguson reported that the Housing Authority is preparing for additional resident meetings at Sandalwood and Marsh Point as part of the HUD RAD redevelopment process.
The Board discussed opportunities to solicit resident input regarding site design, unit features, accessibility, storage, and other improvements. Commissioners emphasized the importance of coordinating with developer Kevin Connelly to identify feasible options before soliciting feedback, ensuring that residents receive realistic expectations regarding potential design modifications.
Staff will coordinate with the developer and HUD consultant to schedule the required resident meetings and establish an appropriate process for resident participation.
Marsh Point Redevelopment
Ms. Ferguson presented the updated Marsh Point conceptual site plan developed through collaboration among the developer, design subcommittee, and Housing Authority representatives.
The revised plan includes 72 residential units and approximately 1 17 parking spaces, with a combination of one-, two-, and three-bedroom units. The design preserves several significant legacy live oak trees, improves parking accessibility, and places the community clubhouse at the waterfront portion of the property.
The Board discussed building placement, accessibility accommodations, parking, community amenities, and anticipated development timelines. Staff repotted that the revised site plan would be submitted to the City of Beaufort for further review through the subdivision and planning process.
The Board also discussed the anticipated tax credit award decision and subsequent construction schedule, subject to financing, regulatory approvals, and other development requirements.
Carolinas Council Annual Meeting
Ms. Ferguson recognized Commissioner Janie Glover for receiving second place in the talent competition held during the Carolinas Council Annual Meeting in Myrtle Beach.
Financial Report and FY 2027 Budget Presentation
Financial Administrator Tammy Doe presented the proposed FY 2027 budgets and reviewed significant changes from the prior fiscal year.
Ms. Doe highlighted anticipated savings associated with the agency's transition to the South Carolina Public Employee Benefit Authority (PEBA) insurance program, projected at approximately $120,000 annually. The proposed budget also incorporates anticipated salary adjustments, staffing costs, Capital Fund allocations, and revised revenue projections.
Staff reported that the Capital Fund Administrator's salary had been allocated to Capital Fund resources and discussed additional opportunities to charge eligible administrative and personnel expenses to the Capital Fund program. The Board encouraged continued efforts to maximize available grant resources while maintaining appropriate accounting controls and documentation.
LHRC Financial Operations
The Board discussed the financial condition of the Lowcountry Housing and Redevelopment Corporation (LHRC), including its projected operating deficit, management fees owed to BHA, and the impact of connecting ownership and rental revenue allocations for seven properties previously attributed to LHRC.
Ms. Doe reported that LHRC was projected to operate at a deficit of approximately $40,000 for the upcoming fiscal year. The Board discussed potential strategies to improve LHRCs financial position, including evaluating rental rates, reviewing homeowners association expenses, examining management fees, and identifying properties with disproportionate operating costs.
Staff will prepare additional information regarding LHRC propeny expenses and potential operational adjustments for consideration by the appropriate governing board.
Old Business
There was no old business.
New Business
- Approval Of FY 2027 Public Housing Operating Budget
The Board considered the proposed FY 2027 Public Housing Operating Budget as presented by Financial Administrator Tammy Doe. Following discussion of projected revenues, expenditures, personnel allocations, employee benefits, and Capital Fund resources, Commissioner Church moved to approve the FY 2027 Public Housing Operating Budget as presented. Commissioner Glover seconded the motion.
Motion carried unanimously.
Staff will complete the required budget resolution and submit the approved Public Housing Operating Budget to HUD before the applicable deadline. - Contract Award - Roof Replacement at 2210 A-D Morris Street
The Board considered the proposed contract award for roof replacement at 2210 A-D Morris Street. Staff reported that three quotations were received and reviewed against the independent cost estimate. Delta Roofing's proposal, in the amount of $15,200, was determined to be acceptable based on the proposed scope of work, pricing, and the contractors prior performance. The project will be funded through the Capital Fund program.
Commissioner Robinson moved to approve the contract award to Delta Roofing in the amount of $15,200 for roof replacement at 2210 A-D Morris Street. Commissioner Allen seconded the motion.
Motion carried unanimously.
Executive Session
Commissioner Glover moved to enter Executive Session for discussion of personnel matters related to the Executive Director search pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. 30-4-70(a)(l), and to receive legal advice regarding pending and potential legal claims pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. 30-4-70(a)(2). Commissioner Robinson seconded the motion.
Motion caried unanimously.
The Board entered Executive Session at 6:30 p.m.
Following Executive Session, Commissioner Glover moved to return to Open Session. Commissioner Robinson seconded the motion.
Motion carried unanimously.
The Board returned to Open Session at 7:05 p.m.
Possible Votes as a Result of Executive Session
No action was taken as a result of Executive Session.
Questions and Comments: Next Regular Meeting
There were no additional questions or comments.
The next regular meeting of the Beaufort Housing Authority Board of Commissioners is scheduled for: October 21, 2026, at 5:00 p.m., at Beaufort Housing Authority Conference Room
Adjournment
Commissioner Achurch moved to adjourn the meeting. Commissioner Robinson seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 7:06 p.m.