Sumter County Council Tuesday evening welcomed a group of high school juniors taking part in a nine-month course designed to nurture the next generation of community leaders.
The Ross McKenzie Emerging Leaders comprise 22 students from Sumter and Lee counties who recently spent time learning about local government with the help of Sumter County Administrator Gary Mixon, City of Sumter Assistant City Manager Howie Owens and Lee County Administrator Alan Watkins.
At the outset of Tuesday’s regular County Council meeting, Sumter Economic Development’s Erika Williams introduced the group of students to council members and explained the goal of the program is to expose the students to opportunities available in the region and retain homegrown talent. Mixon praised the students for the intelligent questions they asked, their high level of engagement, and for the recommendations they made regarding community improvement.
Also during Tuesday’s regular council meeting, third reading of a request to allow for stand-alone truck parking in the Agricultural Conservation (AC) District passed unanimously.
Council members deferred second reading of an ordinance to adopt the 2040 Comprehensive Plan. City-County Planning Director George McGregor said some changes would be made before council once again considers adopting the Comp Plan.
Sumter County Attorney Johnathan Bryan spoke to council members about a resolution to opt out of a nationwide lawsuit regarding opiate litigation. The resolution passed unanimously. Bryan also spoke about first reading of an ordinance authorizing the conveyance of Manning Avenue property to the S.C. Department of Transportation as part of a large-scale renovation and upgrade to the area. First reading passed unanimously.
Council then discussed a possible pay raise for Sumter County Sheriff’s Office deputies and officers of Sumter-Lee Regional Detention Center but ultimately the measure failed. Mixon said later he’s been discussing the matter with Sheriff Anthony Dennis. A formal proposal will be forthcoming, Mixon said, and Dennis agreed.
Bryan spoke about selling property on Wedgefield Road to Wedgefield Baptist Church for $30,000 and third reading passed unanimously.
Council members were also unanimous regarding second reading of a Fee-in-Lieu of Tax (FILOT) agreement with an unnamed economic development project. Bryan said the project would bring a $26 million investment to Sumter County, along with 10 new jobs.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Councilman Artie Baker reported on an earlier Public Works meeting which resulted in a motion to fund $56,500 in railroad repairs. Full council approved of the motion. Baker also said the Public Works Committee approved of a streetlight at Old Manning Road and Haven Road and full council approved. There was discussion about looking at solar lights, he said, as well as discussion about a joint City-County Litter Advisory Board. Mixon was directed to start a discussion with the City about the board.
Councilman Charles Edens said the Land Use Committee discussed the 2040 Comp Plan, asked questions and recommended some changes. Council Chairman James T. McCain Jr. said during the Fiscal, Tax and Property Committee meeting Waste Management was awarded a new franchise agreement for garbage pickup in unincorporated areas of the county.
Council member Vivian Fleming-McGhaney said she and several council members recently attended a S.C. Association of Counties Coalition meeting. Information about the upcoming General Assembly session was given, she said.
McCain noted the recent Veterans Day parade and ceremony were very well attended as he thanked Veterans for their service.
During the County Administrator’s report, Mixon praised Veterans Affairs Director Valerie Brunson and her team for their hard work in planning the Veterans Day celebration. Renovations continue on the Administration building, he said, and the annual external audit process with WebsterRogers LLP is winding down. An audit report is expected to be in hand before the end of the year, he said.
During the public comment portion, Benny Webb expressed support for a deputy and detention officer pay raise.
Sheriff Dennis said his office has been good stewards of taxpayer money and the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office is rated as one of the top agencies statewide.
The meeting, which began about 6:08 p.m., adjourned at 6:56 p.m.