Sumter County Council passed third reading of the 2040 Comprehensive Plan during its last regular meeting of the year on Dec. 10, 2019.
Sumter City-County Planning Director George McGregor told members of council that a few minor changes to language had been made before third reading. Some minor revisions were made to the Land Use map, he said.
Councilman Eugene Baten asked if the City of Sumter and Sumter County Government were adopting the same plan and McGregor said there’s no conflict wither either document.
Third reading passed unanimously.
Sumter County Attorney Johnathan Bryan spoke about first reading of an ordinance to transfer Hideaway Court to the adjoining property owners. A cul-de-sac was never developed on the court and there’s precedent for conveying the county’s interest as such.
First reading passed unanimously.
Councilwoman Vivian Fleming-McGhaney read a Proclamation naming January 11, 2020, as National Human Trafficking Awareness Day in Sumter County. Residents will be encouraged to wear blue in support of bringing awareness to the issue, she said, as she gave credit to Sumter County Administrator Gary Mixon and Assistant Administrator Lorraine Dennis for working diligently toward making the Proclamation happen.
A public event is planned for Jan. 10, 2020 to mark the day in Sumter County.
Bryan spoke about third reading of an ordinance to convey Manning Avenue property to the S.C. Department of Transportation to allow for various planned improvements.
Third reading passed unanimously.
Council Chairman James T. McCain Jr. said the Fiscal, Tax and Property Committee met earlier and came out of the meeting with a motion and second to rescind a 2017 ordinance involving the sale of property which never went through.
Mixon spoke briefly about the annual external audit conducted by WebsterRogers LLP, which is a lengthy process but results are anticipated before year’s end. The five-month process takes considerable time for the Finance Department, he said, noting the county takes great pride in getting it done in a timely manner.
During the Public Comments portion of the meeting, George Base advocated for more deputies and Evelyn Brinson advocated for clean-ups along Boulevard Road.
The meeting adjourned at 6:24 p.m.
The first County Council meeting of 2020 is slated for 6 p.m. on Jan. 14 on the third floor of the Sumter County Courthouse.