Sumter County Council on Nov. 26, 2019, approved second reading of the 2040 Comprehensive Plan during its regular meeting.
City-County Planning Department Senior Planner Jeff Derwort spoke to council members about the Comp Plan, noting it’s a “visionary document” for future land use.
Sumter County Attorney Johnathan Bryan spoke about an ordinance to convey Manning Avenue property jointly owned by the City of Sumter and Sumter County to the S.C. Department of Transportation to make way for improvements and upgrades.
Second reading passed unanimously.
Councilman Chris Sumpter spoke about an Internal Affairs Committee meeting before the regular meeting during which several folks were appointed to boards and commissions.
Councilman Eugene Baten expressed concern that the boards and commissions should reflect the gender and race of Sumter County’s population.
Councilman Charles Edens spoke about an earlier Land Use Committee meeting during which a discussion took place about making some minor revisions to the Comp Plan.
Council Chairman James T. McCain Jr. spoke about an earlier Fiscal, Tax and Property Committee meeting, which revolved around Sumter County being considered for a new Veterans Affairs Nursing Home. Information was given about the budget, he said, but no action was taken.
Councilwoman Vivian Fleming-McGhaney said a recent S.C. Association of Regional Council of Governments conference was informative and Congressman Jim Clyburn spoke about expanding broadband networks to rural areas.
Sumter County Administrator Gary Mixon spoke about an unaudited financial report that shows a preliminary finding that has Sumter County Government about $800,000 under budget for the last Fiscal Year. He said he was extremely proud of staff for their hard work in staying under in a $51 million-plus budget.
During the public comments portion, George Base advocated for more sheriff’s deputies and improving the roads.
Jackie Hughes advocated for fighting litter and commended Mixon for attending a litter conference recently.
The meeting adjourned at 6:35 p.m.
The last County Council meeting of the year will be held at 6 p.m. on Dec. 10 on the third floor of Sumter County Courthouse in Council chambers.