Beaufort County to move forward with fire consolidation study; scope widened after chiefs’ input

Beaufort County administration told councilors it had received multiple qualifications and was "pending award of the study," a move intended to give the governing body data to decide whether to pursue fire-district consolidation. County staff said the scope covers current and anticipated costs, funding options, debt service, workers' compensation liability and governance models.

Councilors and local chiefs pushed to expand the original north-of-the-broad focus so the consultant can analyze additional districts, including Bluffton and Daufuskie, while excluding Hilton Head if that municipality opts out. County staff agreed to share the RFQ with chiefs and to negotiate a contract that can add departments to the study; the county stressed it would establish milestones and involve chiefs in data collection and presentations. "Were pending award of the study," administration said, underscoring that consultant work and timeline will be set through contract negotiations. The workshop ended with council asking staff to keep the issue active leading into the budget season.