Category: SIPOA

TST Funding & Our SBI Road Improvement Project

On By SIPOAIn Seabrook Island Club, SIPOA, Town of Seabrook Island

A joint letter from The Town, The Club, and SIPOA

Take the survey here!

An Open Letter to the Seabrook Island Community

Dear Residents, Property Owners, Employees, and Friends of Seabrook Island:

The leaders of the Town of Seabrook Island, the Seabrook Island Property Owners Association, and the Seabrook Island Club are united in asking for your help.

Charleston County Council is currently preparing a Transportation Sales Tax referendum that may appear on the ballot in 2026. The draft project list under consideration includes approximately $4.25 billion in funding for road, transit, bike/pedestrian, and greenbelt projects throughout the county.

Unfortunately, the draft project list does not include a single dollar for projects within the town limits of Seabrook Island.

This omission is particularly concerning given the importance—and vulnerability—of Seabrook Island Road, the only means of vehicular access to and from our community.

Low-lying segments of Seabrook Island Road regularly experience tidal flooding during high tides and storm events. When flooding occurs, access to the island can be significantly restricted or completely cut off. This creates serious risks for residents, employees, and visitors and can delay response times from police, fire and emergency medical services.

During a nor’easter in December 2023, first responders were forced to rescue occupants from vehicles stranded in floodwaters on Seabrook Island Road. The roadway became impassable, and our entire community was effectively cut off from the rest of the county until floodwaters receded.

Each day, approximately 7,700 vehicle trips travel along Seabrook Island Road. The corridor serves more than 2,100 full-time residents, 2,600 dwelling units, and thousands of visitors, while also supporting more than 2,400 businesses, contractors, and employees who rely on safe and reliable access to the island. It is also a vital gateway to destinations such as the MUSC Medical Pavilion, Bohicket Marina, Freshfields Village, St. Christopher Camp and Conference Center, and numerous local employers.

For years, improving Seabrook Island Road has been identified as the Town’s highest transportation priority. The proposed Seabrook Island Road Improvement Project would elevate flood-prone segments of the roadway and improve drainage to reduce tidal flooding and improve reliability.

Importantly, this project is already well advanced in design and permitting and is expected to be shovel-ready by the time sales tax collections begin in 2027.

Simply put, this project must move forward. Reliable access to Seabrook Island is not optional—it is essential for public safety, emergency response, evacuation, and the continued vitality of our community.

If the Seabrook Island Road Improvement Project is included in the countywide transportation sales tax program, it can be funded through a revenue source Seabrook Island residents and visitors are already paying. If it is not included, the Town will need to pursue other funding options, such as bonds repaid through property taxes or other local taxes.

That outcome would be fundamentally unfair. Seabrook residents, property owners, employees, and visitors already contribute millions of dollars to the county transportation sales tax—helping finance projects throughout Charleston County. It is only reasonable that our community receive an appropriate investment in return. The Town’s request amounts to roughly one penny for every $10 in transportation sales taxes collected.

Our shared message to Charleston County is simple: Seabrook Island deserves transportation funding that is Faster, Fairer, and Safer.

  • Faster because this project is ready to move forward as soon as funding is secured.
  • Fairer because Seabrook Island residents and visitors have contributed to the transportation sales tax for decades but have not received comparable investment within the Town.
  • Safer because reliable access to the island is essential for emergency response, evacuation, and everyday travel.

We Need Your Voice!

Charleston County is currently asking the public to provide input through an online survey that will help determine which projects are included in the referendum.

We encourage every resident, property owner, employee, and visitor who cares about the future of Seabrook Island to participate.

Please take a moment to complete the county’s survey and tell County Council that our community needs Seabrook Island Road Now!

Take the survey here!

Your voice can help ensure that Seabrook Island receives the transportation investment necessary to protect public safety, strengthen our resilience to coastal flooding, and support the economic vitality of our community.

Thank you for your support and your advocacy.

Sincerely,

Bruce Kleinman
Mayor
Town of Seabrook Island

John Lassiter
President
Seabrook Island Property Owners Association

John Carpenter
President
Seabrook Island Club

2026 SIPOA Annual Assessment

On By SIPOAIn Finance, SIPOA

2026 SIPOA Annual Assessment invoices went out on Tuesday, February 24, 2026. Assessments are due by Tuesday, March 31, 2026. There are several payment options:

Option 1 – Pay by Check:

  • Please make your check payable to Seabrook Island POA and include your account number in the memo area on your check. Include the payment coupon with your check to expedite processing.
  • Mail your check and payment coupon to our bank’s lockbox facility:

Option 2 – Pay Online via Credit Card, Debit Card, or e-Check:

  1. Click the “Pay Now” button to begin.
  2. Click on the “Payment Method” column to add and save your payment method.
  3. Click the “One Time Payout” column, and select your payment method from the drop-down menu.
  4. Enter the amount due on your invoice.
  5. The fee will be automatically calculated. To view the fees, click on the underlined “Payment Fee” link.
  6. Check the box to confirm your payment details.
  7. Click “Submit Payment” to process your payment immediately. Note that one-time payments cannot be scheduled for a future date.

Understanding the Pay Now Page:

  • Balance: This shows your total account balance, including any future charges.
  • Pending Payments: Lists payments made through eUnifyPay that are still processing with your bank.
  • Balance Due: Displays the amount you need to pay today.
  • Payment History: Shows payments made through eUnifyPay. Payments made by check or through Property Pay will NOT appear here. For a complete transaction history, check the Owner Ledger in Account Info.

Please email finance@sipoa.org or call our office at (843) 768-0061 if you have any questions or need assistance accessing your portal.

Terms & Conditions:

  • As provided for by the SIPOA Covenants Section 3, the owner(s) /title holder(s) of each lot in the Seabrook Island Development is/are responsible for paying an annual assessment to cover the costs of maintaining common elements and to pay for common expenses.
  • These assessments/dues are assessed each year and have a standard payment term of 30 days.
  • Invoices are mailed out no later than February 28th of each year. To avoid late fees and penalties, assessment payments must be received no later than March 31st, 2026.
  • According to SIPOA Bylaws Section 3.2.3(5), a late fee of 7.5% (on the portion of the current year assessment unpaid after 30-days) will be added to all past due accounts.
  • SIPOA Bylaws Section 3.2.3(5) further provide for additional, continuing late fees of 1.5% per month.
  • SIPOA’s Collection Policy & Bylaws 3.2.3(5) provide the right to file lien and/or lis pendens in an effort to recover delinquent amounts owed
Online Portal Instructions

Vote Seabrook Island for Best Restored Beach

On By SIPOAIn Beach, SIPOA

The American Shore & Beach Preservation Association (ASBPA) is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. To celebrate, they are having a vote to determine the best restored beach among all of the beaches who have received the award. Seabrook Island was awarded the best restored beach in 2016.

For decades, ASBPA has celebrated our nation’s restored beaches to build awareness of their value. The annual Best Restored Beach award honors coastal communities that are both relatively new to the process and those with a long history of successful renourishment projects. In 2023, Coney Island, New York celebrated 100 years of beach nourishment! In many cases, the restoration process is so well established that beachgoers don’t realize they are enjoying a restored beach. In our 100th year, we are hosting a fun competition and invite you to vote for your favorite ASBPA Best Restored Beach. The “Best of the Best” restored beaches will be recognized at our National Coastal Conference in Atlantic City, New Jersey, from October 5-8, 2026.

2025 Volunteer Survey Results

On By SIPOAIn Long Range Planning, SIPOA, Volunteer

A note from SIPOA President, John Lassiter, regarding the 2025 Volunteer Survey Results:

As promised in the December volunteer appreciation event, attached is the final report from the SIPOA volunteer survey that we conducted last fall and that most of you participated in. Thanks once again for your participation, your candid feedback, and most importantly, your yearlong service to the SIPOA community – we couldn’t have accomplished what we did in 2025 without your efforts. We are happy to report that Rebecca and the Board are already implementing several significant changes to enhance the volunteer experience in 2026 and beyond. Hopefully, those of you who return as volunteers in 2026 will recognize the improvements and take satisfaction that your input was the big driver!!

On behalf of the entire Board of Directors and the SIPOA Staff – we truly appreciate you!

Click here or the image below to view the 2025 Volunteer Survey Results.

Please Cast Your Vote Today!

On By SIPOAIn Annual Meeting, SIPOA

Voting is now open for the 2026 Annual Meeting. Voting began January 14, 2026. Proxy Forms must be submitted by 8:00am on February 14, 2026 – late forms cannot be accepted.

SIPOA includes 2,751 properties, and 900 votes must be represented (in person or by proxy) to reach quorum.

So far, 402 votes have been submitted. An additional 23 Property Owners started but did not complete the process, so those votes have not been recorded. Property Owners who submit a completed Proxy Appointment Form by February 2 will be entered to win one of five $50 Amazon gift cards.

Please note: the Seabrook island Club voting process is also under way, so you will have received two separate voting packages. If you are still receiving emails from Association Voting, your SIPOA voting process is not yet complete.

What is the Proxy Appointment Form?

The Proxy Appointment Form allows SIPOA Property Owners in Good Standing to cast their vote(s) – one vote per property owned.

Submitting the form:

  • Appoints a Proxy Holder to cast your vote as you direct
  • Ensures your vote is counted
  • Helps establish quorum for the Annual Meeting.

Please submit the form even if you plan to attend in person.

Important: You must select a Proxy Holder to access the voting page. Your vote remains your vote – the Proxy Holder simply submits them as you direct.

PLEASE COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING STEPS BELOW TO ENSURE YOUR VOTES ARE COUNTED:

  1. Sign into the voting site using the credentials you received in the voting email from vote.associationvoting.com/sipoa/.
  2. Proceed to the Proxy Appointment Form.
  3. Appoint your Proxy Holder and proceed to the voting page.

Online Voting Page:

  • Mark your choices on the voting page.
  • Click the green button at the bottom of the voting page once you have made your selections.
  • Confirm your choices on the next page.

Confirm your Selections:

  • Verify Selections: Scroll down to ensure all your choices are correct.
  • Make Changes: Click “Change My Vote” only if you need to adjust.
  • Finalize Vote: If all is correct, sign and click “Cast My Vote”.

If you do not electronically sign and click “Cast My Vote”, your votes will not be recorded.

Property Owners who have not voted, and those who have started the voting process but did not complete the voting process, will receive another email from Association Voting today, Tuesday, January 28 at 5:00pm.

If you did not receive your voting packet on Wednesday, January 14, follow these essential steps:

  1. Visit vote.associationvoting.com/sipoa/
  2. Click Help at the top
  3. Enter your name and email
  4. Request Help
  5. Receive details from webmaster@associationvoting.com
SIPOA Annual Meeting Homepage

Annual Meeting 2026 – Cast Your Vote!

On By SIPOAIn Annual Meeting, SIPOA

Voting begins Wednesday, January 14, 2026!

Voting for the 2026 SIPOA Annual Meeting opens Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at 8:00am. Electronic ballots will be emailed from announcement@associationvoting.com, and paper ballots will be mailed to Property Owners who are not enrolled in e-voting.

How to Vote Online

  1. Open the email titled “2026 SIPOA Annual Election – Your Vote Counts!”
  2. Go to vote.associationvoting.com/sipoa/
  3. Use the provided username and password from your invitation email.
  4. Vote on the SIPOA Budget, Board of Directors, and Nominating Committee Candidates.
  5. Preview your ballot, sign, and submit your vote.

Own multiple properties? You may vote one per property.

Proxy Forms

Under SIPOA Bylaws, submitting a proxy helps ensure that your vote is counted and allows the meeting to proceed as required.

You may choose one of the following as your Proxy Holder:

  • SIPOA Secretary, Susan May
  • A Board Member
  • Another Property Owner in Good Standing

All Proxy Appointment Forms must be received by SIPOA’s Secretary before 8:00am on Saturday, February 14, 2026. Proxy forms received after 8:00am on Saturday, February 14, 2026, will not be valid.

Gift Card Incentives

  • Submit by January 26 → Chance to win $100 Amazon gift card
  • Submit by February 2 → Chance to win $50 Amazon gift card

Reminder: Seabrook Island Club voting is also open. We encourage you to participate in both elections.

Didn’t Receive Your Electronic Voting Packet?

  1. Visit vote.associationvoting.com/sipoa/
  2. Click Help at the top
  3. Enter your name and email
  4. Request Help

You’ll receive assistance from webmaster@associationvoting.com.

2026 SIPOA ANNUAL MEETING

Meet SIPOA’s New Director of Finance, David Rudolph

On By SIPOAIn Finance, SIPOA

David brings more than 15 years of experience in finance, accounting, and strategic financial planning. Most recently, he served as a Controller, where he managed all accounting functions, oversaw financial reporting across multiple cost centers, supported strategic planning, and ensured strong cash flow and cost controls. His background also includes extensive experience in budgeting, forecasting, tax compliance, payroll, benefits administration, and vendor negotiations.

In addition to his accounting leadership, David has a solid foundation in wealth management and private banking, giving him a well-rounded perspective on financial strategy, risk management, and long-term planning. He is known for his analytical approach, attention to detail, and ability to translate complex financial data into clear, actionable insights.

We are excited to have David join the SIPOA team and look forward to the expertise and strategic guidance he will bring to our organization. Please help us give him a warm welcome!

Proclamation for Heather Paton – TOSI

On By SIPOAIn SIPOA, Town of Seabrook Island

During the September 30 Town Council meeting, Heather Paton was recognized. Heather has stepped down as Executive Director of the Seabrook Island Property Owners Association (SIPOA), after almost two decades of service to our community.

During the proclamation, Mayor Kleinman shared Heather’s accomplishments and proclaimed October 1, 2025 as Heather Paton Day.

Some of her SIPOA coworkers were also there to support her. We thank her for her years of dedication and service to Seabrook Island and wish her the best.

Submitted by the Town of Seabrook Island

Meet SIPOA’s New Executive Director, Rebecca Lyons

On By SIPOAIn SIPOA

On behalf of the Board, we are pleased to announce that Rebecca Lyons will be the new Executive Director for Seabrook Island Property Owners Association beginning November 3.

Rebecca comes to us with a strong background in community leadership that closely mirrors the values and lifestyle we cherish here on Seabrook Island. She is currently the General Manager of Willowsford, a 4000-acre farm-to-market community in northern Virginia with fitness facilities, pools, 30 miles of trails, and over 2000 acres in conservancy. Additionally, she served as Assistant General Manager at South Riding Proprietary, a 6,000-home property that included amenities, including an 18-hole golf course, racquet program, and over 15 parks and ponds built on principles of sustainability and respect for nature.

Rebecca has cultivated a stable, dedicated team with very little staff turnover and managed budgets and capital plans similar to SIPOA. Her experience, combined with her passion for fostering strong, engaged communities, makes her exceptionally well-suited to guide SIPOA as we look to the future.

We are excited to welcome Rebecca into our community and look forward to the leadership, fresh perspective, and commitment she will bring to her new role.

John Lassiter
President
Seabrook Island Property Owners Association

Get the Scoop – SIPOA Roadway Management Plan

On By SIPOAIn Activities, Engineering, Get the Scoop, GOMC, SIPOA

SIPOA owns and maintains approximately 28 miles of roads behind the gate on Seabrook Island. Many of these roads were first paved in the 1970s. These roads are an asset that must be managed in a cost-effective manner.

This summer, as part of the engineering intern program, we documented the history of the management of SIPOA roads and outlined future management plans in the SIPOA Roadway Management Plan storymap. This storymap is an interactive tool that residents can use to learn more about SIPOA roadways.

Steve Hirsch, SIPOA Director of Engineering, will present on current management practices as well as discuss future repaving plans at the next Get the Scoop meeting at the Lake House.

When: Monday, October 13

Where: Lake House, Live Oak Hall

Time: 3:00pm

Click to View GTS Event List