A piece of state legislation is dividing local lawmakers and, some say, could mean higher taxes for all Beaufort County residents long-term.

The bill, which has passed the House and is now pending before a Senate committee, would void any county rule that requires trash haulers to dump county trash at a specific site. Beaufort County's trash haulers currently must use the Hickory Hill site in Jasper County.

Bill sponsors say its intent is to create more competition among trash haulers and dumps, leading to lower costs and better service. But Beaufort County leaders say it does just the opposite because there is no other nearby site for Beaufort County to use.

For more, check back later with the Island Packet and Beaufort Gazette and follow reporter Gina Smith at twitter.com/GinaNSmith. The full text of the bill is available online.