Town of Hilton Head Island Municipal Government Website

  • Text Size:
  • A
  • A
  • A

Interested in Hard Workd and No Pay?

February 2012Mayor Drew Laughlin as seen is Celebrate Hilton Head Magazine

Politicians promise a lot, don’t they? But I can make a promise to you that I will guarantee to keep. We need volunteers to become members of our town government boards and commissions, so that we can continue to serve our fellow residents in the most professional way possible. The job is typically for a three-year term, no pay, and often technical in nature. That's not exactly a sales job to induce your participation, but let me ask you this: Do you want to play a major role in the island’s future? Do you want to weigh in on recommending hundreds of thousands of dollars directed to island non-profit organizations? Do you want to earn the admiration of town council and fellow residents for giving to your community? I thought so. My promise is: hard work, no pay, but admiration from all. What a deal!

The list below briefly explains the duties of our various boards and commissions. You are welcome to call town council members or staff with any questions you have about the terms, duties, and responsibilities of each.

  1. Accommodations Tax Advisory Committee. Reviews applications and makes recommendations to Town Council about disbursement of accommodations tax funds.
  2. Board of Zoning Appeals. Hears and reviews Land Management Ordinance (LMO)-related appeals, variances, and special-exception use applications.
  3. Construction Board of Adjustments and Appeals. Considers variances from standard building code and hears appeals from the building official.
  4. Design Review Board. Considers aesthetics and design applications along designated corridors.
  5. Parks and Recreation Commission. Makes recommendations to Town Council for the establishment of an effective parks & recreational system for the town.
  6. Planning Commission. Prepares and updates Comprehensive Plan; reviews all proposed zoning changes, public projects, and traffic impact applications.

Current planning commission chairperson Loretta Warden was kind enough to offer her comments on serving the town. She said, "People often ask me about prerequisites for service in our town. My response is always twofold: passion and vision. One needs to be passionate about everything that makes our island special and one needs to have vision to imagine the future of our island and with the help of staff and the community, make it happen."

So, apply today. Applications are available online at hiltonheadislandsc.gov; at town hall between the hours of 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday; or by fax through the town clerk, call (843)341-4604.

E-Subscription Icon Subscribe to Electronic Notifications for New Mayor's Article Postings