Council approves assessment and collection agreement for new Hilton Head Lakes West municipal improvement district

Jasper County Council voted to approve a resolution authorizing the county to administer billing, collection and disbursement of assessments for a municipal improvement district (MID) created by the City of Hardeeville. The resolution (R-2026-10) establishes a contractual arrangement whereby the county will bill property owners, collect assessments and transfer receipts to the city for MID improvements.

Counsel explained that the MID mechanism allows the city to assess properties for public-purpose infrastructure such as roads, water, sewer or other approved projects. Several council members asked whether the county would be approving the improvements or the assessment rates; counsel and staff clarified that the county's role is administrative (billing and collection) and the city determines the project scope and assessment schedule. One councilor asked whether this action would create a new tax; counsel replied it is a new assessment mechanism the city will control.

Speaker 6 moved to approve the resolution and the motion passed by voice vote. Staff said additional implementing documents and agreements may be prepared to effectuate the arrangement, and that the county administrator, treasurer and auditor will be authorized to execute necessary documents.

The resolution enables the Hilton Head Lakes West Improvement District to proceed with assessment billing through county systems; specific assessment rates, timing and project details remain city responsibilities and will be set by the creating ordinance or MID document.