Council declines to fund USCB convocation center at first reading

Councilors considered a proposed funding package for the University of South Carolina Beaufort convocation center that would have combined general-fund appropriations and reallocated GO bond dollars to produce roughly $11.1 million in county support.

Supporters said the convocation center would benefit local students and the county; critics objected to timing, potential traffic impacts on US 278, and the university's fundraising pace. "If we can spend this $11 million now, they will come back and ask for more to reach a $20 million figure," one council member said, urging the university to increase non-county fundraising first.

Several council members asked whether USCB could repurpose or sell underused southern-campus property to offset costs; others urged the university to pursue private and state funding.

On roll call the funding motion failed and the ordinance did not move forward at first reading.