Finance staff maps town public‑safety spending and per‑capita comparisons with peer towns

As part of the broader public safety discussion, Finance Director Mr. Byrd walked the committee through an analysis of public‑safety spending on the island and peer per‑capita comparisons.

Byrd explained town line items including stipends ($550/month) and annual bonuses ($250) for county deputies assigned to the island, contracted island security for events and beaches, parking and beach services, and capital investments (camera systems, facility improvements). On an operating basis Byrd said the town’s combined public safety operating budget is now roughly in the $2.3M range (Town operating) and total operating + capital near $4.4M; normalized per‑capita figures for Hilton Head ranged roughly $270–$300 depending on adjustments. Byrd cautioned that some items are carried by the county and that the town is still arranging a meeting with the Beaufort County treasurer to reconcile collections and expenditures tied to the police fee fund.

Committee members pressed for clarity on how the county’s police‑fee collections (roughly $6.8M reported) relate to the sheriff’s overall budget (county sheriff administration lines near $38M) and how those dollars flow back to island services. Byrd said staff will continue to normalize and refine the comparisons and will share updated numbers after discussions with county finance staff.