International Paper opened the doors on Tuesday morning to its Sumter facility so members of Sumter County Council and County Government could view the workings of an operation that produces 888 tons of paper a day.

Touring the facility were County Council Chairman James T. McCain Jr., Vice-Chairman Jimmy Byrd, and fellow members of Council Charles Edens and Vivian Fleming-McGhaney.

*See PDF for information and scheduling.

Sumter County Recreation & Parks Department's youth basketball registration begins on Oct. 28, 2019 for the 2019-2020 season.
Age groups are: 5-6 year olds; 7-8 year olds; 9-10 year olds; 11-12 year olds; 13-14 year olds; and 15-17 year olds.
The Jamboree is slated for Jan. 4, 2020.
You can register online: https://reconline.sumtercountysc.org/wbwsc/webtrac.wsc/wbsplash.html?wbp=1
Or in person at 155 Haynsworth Street

*See PDF for information and scheduling.

Sumter County Council Tuesday evening during its regular meeting passed second reading of an ordinance amendment request allowing stand-alone truck parking in the Agricultural Conservation (AC) District and deferred second reading to approve the 2040 Comprehensive Plan.

As Chairman James T. McCain Jr. was out of town attending a conference, Vice Chairman Jimmy Byrd acted as Chairman for the meeting. At the outset of the meeting, Byrd also informed the public that Councilman Chris Sumpter had a death in the family and was unable to attend.

Sumter City-County Planning Director George McGregor spoke about a request from Hampton Gardner to allow stand-alone truck parking in the AC District. The Planning Commission recommended the approval as a Conditional Use, McGregor said, and Planning Department staff developed a list of criteria. Discussion followed about how it could allow for truck drivers to park in their own neighborhood and during a Public Hearing, no one spoke.

Second reading passed unanimously.

McGregor then spoke about the 2040 Comprehensive Plan and how it exists as the County’s long-term land use plan. It’s required by state law, he noted, and the last 18 months have seen numerous public hearings and opportunities for public input.

During a Public Hearing no one spoke. Byrd asked if there were changes to the Commercial Corridor and McGregor said there were no changes. Councilman Artie Baker asked to defer second reading to have a workshop.

The motion to defer passed unanimously.

Sumter County Attorney Johnathan Bryan spoke next about an ordinance authorizing the sale of land on Wedgefield Road to Wedgefield Baptist Church for $30,000.

During a Public Hearing no one spoke and second reading passed unanimously.

Clerk to Council Mary Blanding then briefly read a Red Ribbon Week Proclamation as Byrd, Cpl. Isaiah Bilby of the Young Marines and Maj. Allen Dailey of the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office posed for a ceremonial photo as Council approved the Proclamation.

Council members Vivian Fleming-McGhaney and Eugene Baten thanked Bilby and urged the young man to join the military. He said was joining the U.S. Marine Corps after he graduates from high school.

Council members then approved a 2020 holiday calendar for Sumter County employees as well as a 2020 meeting calendar for County Council.

As members of council gave reports, Baten spoke about a letter regarding pay for Detention Center deputies and advocated for an increase. Councilman Charles Edens said it can’t be considered in the middle of the Fiscal Year and was a budgetary issue that needs to be examined in the spring during the budget process. Discussion followed about the Detention Center and salary analysis.

During the Public Comments, Benny Webb advocated for a salary increase for Detention Center deputies.

Larry Huff said the Veterans Park is coming along nicely and advocated for a slight change involving parking and the old entrance.

Barbara Richburg of the Greater Turkey Creek Neighborhood Association said more Codes Enforcement Officers are needed.

The meeting adjourned at 6:31 p.m.

*See PDF for information and scheduling.

Sumter County Director of Voter Registration and Elections Pat Jefferson has unveiled new voting machines.

“Sumter County, along with all 46 counties in the state of South Carolina, have now been given Express Vote,” she said. “This will be the first time we are using the brand new voting machine.”

Deidre Boone, Sumter County’s IT Services Manager, helped demonstrate use of the machines for the media. Also on hand were Goliath Brunson, Chairman of the Sumter County Election Commission, Vice-Chairman Charles Moore and Commissioner Trevor Ivey.

Mayeville Mayor Jereleen Hollimon-Miller was also on hand for the demonstration as Mayesville’s mayoral and town council election is slated for Nov. 5, 2019.

The tabulation test run went well, Jefferson said, and absentee voting for the Mayesville general election is now open.

Upon arriving at their polling location, voters should have their photo ID ready, along with their Voter Registration card, Jefferson said, as she explained the process.

Once a voter is checked in, a paper ballot card is given, along with instructions. If the voter is not familiar with the machines, a demonstration is offered prior to entering the voting booth, she said.

The voter is taken to cast their ballot and the ballot card is given back for review. If the voter is pleased, they will then be directed to the scanner where the ballot card is entered.

Jefferson said it’s a faster and more secure process and noted the new machines are compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. She said her staff is engaged in many public outreach efforts to ensure folks are familiar with the process and she is happy to speak to civic groups to educate the public.

The Office of Voter Registration and Elections also has a machine on hand if voters would like to come by and see how it works. It’s located in the Sumter County Courthouse, 141 N. Main St. and is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday.

“We are excited about these machines and we look forward to using them,” she said.

For more information, call (803) 436-2310, 436-2311, 436-2312, or 436-2313.

*See PDF for information and scheduling.

A new online newsletter from Sumter County Government is now available.
Each month the Gamecock County Gazette will be delivered via e-mail, and for those who wish to receive a digital copy please send your e-mail address to jperry@sumtercountysc.org and our communications coordinator will add you to the list.

To see the newsletter, click here

*See PDF for information and scheduling.

 

As there is an ongoing renovation of the Administration Building at 13 East Canal Street, several Sumter County departments have moved to the Sumter County Courthouse at 141 North Main Street.

Fiscal Affairs, Human Resources, Purchasing and the Administration Departments are now located in the Sumter County Courthouse.

Sumter County Council will now meet on the third floor of the Courthouse at 6 p.m. on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month, with the next meeting scheduled for Sept. 10. #SumterCountySC

*See PDF for information and scheduling.

The Sumter County Auditor, Assessor and Treasurer's offices are located at 20 North Magnolia Street, now known as Magnolia Place. It is across the street from the Health Department and behind Wendy's. Handicapped parking is available in front of the building, and there's a ramp into the building.
Normal business hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday.

*See PDF for information and scheduling.