The State Budget and Control Board today should cancel plans to auction surplus state land on Sullivan's Island and instead begin negotiations for its sale to the town. Island officials have made a good case for acquiring the property for municipal use.

Town officials requested months ago that the 0.86-acre tract, formerly used by the state Department of Health and Environmental Control, be sold to the town. Unfortunately, that request was not given due consideration by the board as it voted in March to put the property up for auction.

The board now has the opportunity to correct that decision and provide the town a chance to explain why the property should be kept for public use.

The property adjoins town hall and is needed for the expansion of municipal offices. The town already leases a portion of a warehouse on the property.

Formerly owned by the federal government, the property was transferred to the state in 1949 after the military left the island. The warehouse, built in 1915, has been designated a historic structure by the town.

A resolution approved by town council states, "If the town acquires this property it will remain in public use and the historic setting and character will be preserved."

Rep. Ben Hagood, R-Charleston, has urged the board to sell to the town, stating in a recent letter that the municipal use of the property is "important for the quality of life on Sullivan's Island and the ability of its local government to provide needed services."

Local and state officials have made a persuasive case for the sale of the surplus property to the island.

The state Budget and Control Board should accommodate the request.