February 18, 2026 Meeting Minutes
The Board of Commissioners of the Beaufort Housing Authority convened a regular meeting on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at 5:12 p.m., in person 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:
- Chairman Ethan James
- Vice Chair Marilyn Harris (arrived just after roll call)
- Commissioner Linda Robinson
- Commissioner William A. Achurch
- Commissioner Dr. Natasia Allen
- Commissioner Janie Glover
Commissioners Not Present:
- None.
Staff and Guests attending the meeting included the following:
STAFF: Aris Hanchard Ferguson, Interim Executive Director
GUESTS: Ronald T. Scott, Legal Counsel, Haynesworth Sinkler Boyd, P.A.; Joseph Dickey, Legal Counsel, Hayneswmih Sinkler Boyd, P.A.;
Ben Quattlebaum, Consultant (via Zoom); David Pirkey
Call to Order and Roll Call
Chairman James called the meeting to order, took roll, and a quorum was recognized. Chairman James noted that
Commissioner Achurch arrived later and was noted for the record.
Affirmation of Oath
The Board proceeded with the affirmation of oath for all Commissioners. Willie Mae Simmons, Notary Public for South
Carolina, administered the oath of office to Commissioner William A. Achurch. Commissioner Achurch affirmed his oath as required under South Carolina law to serve as a Commissioner of the Beaufort Housing Authority.
Freedom of Information Act Statement
The Interim Executive Director confirmed that the meeting had been publicly noticed, published, posted, and distributed in
compliance with the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act.
Adoption of Agenda
Commissioner Robinson moved to adopt the agenda as presented. Commissioner Glover seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously to adopt the agenda.
The Board considered the minutes from the January 21, 2026 meeting. The Interim Executive Director noted minor revisions, including clarification that certain prior votes were unanimous. Commissioner Robinson moved to approve the January 21, 2026 minutes, subject to the noted revisions. Commissioner Glover seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously to approve the minutes as amended.
Election of Officers
The Board proceeded with the annual election of officers. After confirming willingness to serve, Commissioner Achurch moved to nominate Marilyn Harris as Vice Chair and Ethan James as Chairman. Commissioner Robinson seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously to reelect Chairman James and Vice Chair Harris to their respective positions.
Public Comment
Mr. David Pirkey, 19 Myle Warbler Road, addressed the Board regarding the status of the Executive Director search process. Mr. Pirkey inquired about the timeline and his candidacy.
The Board and its consultant, Mr. Ben Quattlebaum, responded that finalist interviews had been conducted in Januaiy and that the Board would be considering next steps during Executive Session. It was noted that notifications to applicants would be issued following the Board's decision.
Executive Director's Report
The Interim Executive Director provided a detailed report and noted that a written report had been distributed in advance.
Discussion included development of a standardized financial reporting format, with input requested from Commissioners.
Commissioners discussed preference for balance sheets, profit and loss statements with budget comparisons, and summary commentary highlighting key variances. It was agreed that staff would prepare a proposed reporting format for further review, with informal input from Commissioners Achurch and Dr. Allen.
The Interim Executive Director reported on staff training and certifications, including successful completion of Capital Fund training by staff members and ongoing certification efforts across departments. Additional updates included preparation for upcoming HUD inspections, with efforts underway to address documentation and compliance issues.
Operational updates included plans to dispose of two maintenance vehicles determined to be beyond economic repair and to procure replacement vehicles in accordance with procurement policy, with Board approval to be sought at a future meeting.
The Interim Executive Director also provided an update regarding a resident matter discussed at the prior meeting, including continued maintenance work and clarification of property ownership and policy implications. It was determined that certain properties previously believed to be governed under separate entities are owned directly by the Beaufait Housing Authority, requiring development of formal policies governing those units. The Interim Executive Director indicated that staff would develop proposed policies for Board consideration.
Additional updates included the successful closing of a homeownership transaction through the agency's program, hiring of maintenance staff, ongoing recruitment efforts, and progress toward filling additional vacancies.
There was no old business requiring action.
New Business
There was no new business requiring approval.
Executive Session
Vice Chair Harris moved to enter Executive Session and Commissioner Robinson seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously to enter Executive Session. Executive Session began at 5:55 p.m.
- Discussion of personnel matters related to staff and Executive Director search- S.C. Code 30-4-70(a)(l).
- Discussion of negotiations incident to contractual arrangements regarding repositioning - S.C. Code 30- 4-70(a)(2).
Commissioner Harris moved to exit Executive Session. Commissioner Allen seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously to exit Executive Session at 7:05 p.m. It was noted for the record that Commissioner Achurch departed during Executive Session.
Possible Votes as a Result of Executive Session
No votes were taken as a result of Executive Session.
Questions and Comments; Next Regular Meeting
The next regular Board meeting was scheduled for March 18, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. at the Beaufort Housing Authority Conference Room.
Adjournment
Commissioner Robinson moved to adjourn the meeting. Commissioner Glover seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously, and the meeting was adjourned at 7:06 p.m.