By Mike McCombs
The Island News
In his 36 years as Beaufort’s City Attorney, William “Bill” Harvey has provided counsel to five mayors, seven city managers and dozens of city council members.
Now he’s stepping down.
Harvey, who started the job July 1, 1987, is stepping down from his role as City Attorney to focus on the other areas of his practice and the continued success of his law firm. Harvey & Battey celebrated 100 years of serving clients in Beaufort last May
According to the news release from the City of Beaufort, Harvey will remain involved to ensure an orderly transition of pending legal matters to new counsel.
A resolution was read at Tuesday night’s City Council meeting recognizing the many years of service that Harvey has given to the City, providing legal guidance through significant growth and development, and in many litigation and appellate matters.
“Whereas the City of Beaufort is appreciative of the many years of service provided by him;” the resolution read, “Now, therefore, be it resolved that the City Council of the City of Beaufort, South Carolina, duly assembled, wishes to express our gratitude to William B. Harvey, III for his many years of service to the City.”
“I love this city and I want to see its health and success, especially in this period of increased growth and tremendous change,” Harvey said after the resolution. “It is with that passion that I have approached my 36 years as your City Attorney, and I want to thank the citizens of Beaufort for giving me that opportunity.”
According to the City’s release, officials will begin the search for a new attorney as soon as possible. The search method will be through a formal request for proposals procurement process. The proposals received will be evaluated by City Council prior to selecting a new city attorney.
Mike McCombs is the Editor of The Island News and can be reached at TheIslandNews@gmail.com.
