Beaufort County, August 21, 2025
News Summary
Beaufort County Auditor David Cadd announced significant updates to the county’s website based on taxpayer feedback. The enhancements aim to improve user experience, with over 190,000 views since April 2024. Cadd also revealed that 5,500 refunds over the last five years lacked interest payments, totaling nearly $1.6 million. The administration is committed to addressing these issues and fostering a supportive environment for residents and employees.
Beaufort County Auditor Announces Website Improvements After Taxpayer Feedback and $1.6 Million in Interest Payments for Refunds Owed
Beaufort County Auditor David Cadd has unveiled significant updates to the county’s auditor website, designed to enhance user experience and better serve residents based on taxpayer feedback. Since its launch in April 2024, the updated website has attracted over 190,000 views, indicating a strong interest in the new user-friendly features.
Cadd expressed enthusiasm for the collaborative work with county employees on this project and reiterated the commitment to supporting residents through these upgraded online resources. He urged residents to explore the new features available on the website and engage with the county auditor’s office via social media channels, including Facebook, Instagram, and X. The updated website can be accessed at www.beaufortcountyauditor.com.
In a related development, the auditor’s office recently disclosed that over 5,500 refunds issued over the past five years failed to include interest payments, leading to an accumulation of nearly $1.6 million in unpaid interest on refunds and appeals concerning real property taxes. This issue had remained unaddressed since the previous auditor, James Beckert, ceased interest calculations in 2020.
The county administration was made aware of this oversight in May 2024, prompting County Administrator Michael Moore to emphasize the necessity of making affected taxpayers whole. The refunds stem from various sources, such as successful property value appeals and overpayment situations. State law mandates that when a taxpayer is refunded for overpaid tax, interest must also be applied, provided the refund is issued within a 75-day period.
Cadd clarified that interest payments would not accrue indefinitely; for example, if $10 in interest was owed at the time of the original refund, it would remain $10 today. Since taking office in July 2023, following Beckert’s contentious tenure, Cadd has committed to resuming calculations and assessments regarding interest payments, ensuring that such oversights do not continue. Under the new administration, the auditor’s office intends to promptly address any discrepancies in taxpayer refunds.
Workplace Environment Improvements
In addition to website improvements and addressing financial issues, significant changes are also underway within the county’s administrative structure. Beaufort County Treasurer Maria Walls recently received a $100,000 settlement from South Carolina’s Insurance Reserve Fund, concluding a lawsuit against the county and former Auditor James Beckert related to harassment and the creation of a hostile work environment.
Walls’ lawsuit outlined years of alleged bullying, defamation, and threats from Beckert, characterizing him as one who fostered a toxic workplace culture. Other women in leadership roles, including the former chief financial officer and assistant deputy auditor, also pursued legal action against Beckert, leading to settlements of $100,000 each. These settlements mark the closing of multiple harassment allegations against him and highlight the ongoing efforts to enhance workplace conditions within Beaufort County.
Future Outlook
As Beaufort County moves forward, both the technological upgrades of the auditor’s website and the resolutions of longstanding workplace issues aim to foster a more transparent and supportive environment for residents and employees alike. The expectation is that with these changes, the county will see improved public trust and a more engaged citizenry utilizing the available resources for their benefit.
FAQ Section
What improvements were made to the Beaufort County Auditor’s website?
The Beaufort County Auditor’s office has added new user-friendly tools and resources based on taxpayer feedback. The updates aim to enhance the overall user experience.
Why are taxpayers owed $1.6 million in interest payments?
Over 5,500 refunds were issued without interest over the past five years due to a lack of calculations by the previous auditor, resulting in nearly $1.6 million in unpaid interest.
How can residents view the new website features?
Residents can access the updated website at www.beaufortcountyauditor.com, where they can utilize new resources.
What actions are being taken regarding workplace issues in the Beaufort County Auditor’s office?
Significant changes are being implemented in response to lawsuits against the former auditor for harassment and creating a hostile work environment. Settlements have been reached to address these allegations.
Key Features of the Update
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| User-friendly Tools | New resources added based on taxpayer feedback for ease of navigation. |
| Interest Payments | Restoration of calculations for interest payments on refunds owed to taxpayers. |
| Transparent Reporting | Commitment to improve transparency and accountability within county operations. |
| Protecting Employee Rights | Resolution of multiple harassment lawsuits to enhance the workplace environment. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- Your Island News: Beaufort County Redesigns Auditor’s Website
- Island Packet: County Auditor’s Website Updates
- Live 5 News: Beaufort County Treasurer Settles Lawsuit
- Google Search: Beaufort County
- FITSNews: Harassment Lawsuit in Beaufort County
- Wikipedia: Beaufort County, South Carolina
Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT
The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
