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3 weeks ago

Sumter County Council approves $466,500 budget amendment to buy bulldozer after public hearing Sumter County Council approved Ordinance 24-999 on third reading to buy a bulldozer for Public Works, trading in a loader for $58,500 and using Solid Waste Disposal Fund revenue to cover a $466,500 balance; Councilman Carlton B. Washington abstained.

Sumter County Council just approved a $466,500 budget amendment to purchase a bulldozer, but not without public scrutiny over costs and procurement methods.

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3 weeks ago

Sumter County Council approves multiple rezonings, business license changes and construction easement Sumter County Council unanimously approved several rezoning requests, granted second reading to business license amendments required by Act 176 of 2020, and gave first reading to a temporary construction easement for SCDOT; all votes were unanimous.

Sumter County Council just made significant strides in local development by approving multiple rezonings and business license amendments—all without a single public comment!

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3 weeks ago

Sumter County Council approves rezoning, transit-signage change and appoints code enforcement officer At its April 26 meeting, Sumter County Council granted second reading to a rezoning to permit a future single-family home, amended the sign ordinance to allow transit-related ads and panels, and appointed a code enforcement officer; all measures passed unanimously.

The Sumter County Council just made significant changes that could transform local land use and boost transit advertising—what does this mean for residents?

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3 weeks ago

Sumter County Council votes 6–1 to keep school millage at 159.4 After debate over additional millage, Sumter County Council voted 6–1 on June 28 to fund the Sumter School District for 2022–23 at the same millage as 2021–22 (159.4 mills); Councilman Eugene Baten opposed, urging an extra 10.9 mills the district sought.

In a pivotal vote, Sumter County Council decided to keep the school district's millage at 159.4, igniting a heated debate on the future of local education funding.

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3 weeks ago

Sumter County adopts private-road policy prioritizing emergency access, 5–2 Sumter County Council adopted Ordinance 25-1034 on Sept. 23, 2025, revising private-road procedures to allow the county to adopt private roads where emergency-services access is prioritized; the measure passed on third reading by a 5–2 vote following one public speaker in favor.

Sumter County has taken a bold step by adopting a new ordinance that prioritizes emergency services access for private roads, ensuring better safety for residents!

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3 weeks ago

Councilman Eugene R. Baten accuses Sumter County Council of systemic racism during meeting on protocol and school funding At a July 11 Sumter County Council meeting, Councilman Eugene R. Baten used a discussion of meeting protocol to accuse the council of 'systemic racism,' defend a prior recusal on a school millage vote and press for greater support for school employees; other council members and staff disputed aspects of his account and a procedural dispute arose over notice for a Special Meeting.

Councilman Eugene R. Baten has ignited a firestorm in Sumter County by accusing fellow council members of systemic racism while demanding better funding for schools and fair wages for staff.

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3 weeks ago

Sumter County Council defers ordinance revising meeting rules, schedules separate workshop Sumter County Council unanimously deferred Ordinance 24-1009, a proposed amendment to the county code on meetings and rules of order, and agreed to schedule a separate workshop to review a redlined draft and related issues including private-road policy.

Sumter County Council has decided to hit pause on a crucial ordinance change governing meeting protocols, planning a detailed workshop to tackle lingering issues and constituents' concerns.

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3 weeks ago

Sumter County Council approves three rezoning requests amid limited public comment Sumter County Council on Aug. 22, 2023, approved three second-reading rezoning requests — for a Duke Energy parcel, a church parsonage site and two small commercial parcels on S. Guignard Drive — all carried unanimously after brief presentations and one public speaker on tower height.

Sumter County Council has green-lighted three crucial rezoning projects, paving the way for upgraded utility infrastructure and new commercial opportunities!

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3 weeks ago

Sumter County grants first reading to tighter solar‑farm rules, including 200‑ft setbacks and 125% decommissioning surety On Nov. 14 Sumter County Council granted first reading to OA‑23‑01, an ordinance that would make large ground‑mounted solar facilities a special exception use, require 200‑foot setbacks, 50‑ft evergreen buffers, and recorded decommissioning plans backed by surety equal to 125% of estimated removal costs.

Sumter County is taking a bold step towards sustainable energy with new regulations for large solar farms, ensuring community safety and environmental balance.

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3 weeks ago

Sumter County Council approves second reading to allow used motor vehicle parts merchants in LI-W with strict design limits Sumter County Council granted second reading to Ordinance 24-995 on Feb. 27, 2024, permitting used motor vehicle parts merchants (NAICS 42314) in the Light Industrial-Warehouse (LI-W) district as a special-exception use with separation, screening, hours and permitting requirements; one councilmember recused.

Sumter County Council is one step closer to allowing used motor vehicle parts merchants in Light Industrial zones, but with strict new design regulations to protect the community!

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3 weeks ago

Sumter County Council adopts rezoning measure, approves first reading of larger rezoning and proclaims April Fair Housing Month At its March 14 meeting, Sumter County Council adopted RZ-22-14 (rezoning 4605 Patriot Parkway to Agricultural Conservation), approved first reading of a separate rezoning (RZ-23-01) for 3221 Camden Highway, and adopted a resolution proclaiming April as Fair Housing Month.

Sumter County Council makes waves by adopting a key rezoning measure and declaring April as Fair Housing Month!

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3 weeks ago

Sumter County Council grants first readings to $3.5M bond and two ordinances; budget, easement draw lone dissent At its May 9 meeting, Sumter County Council granted first readings to a bond ordinance (up to $3.5 million), the county budget ordinance for FY2023-24 and a storm-water easement; Councilman Eugene R. Baten voted against the budget and the easement first readings.

Sumter County Council is making big moves with a $3.5 million bond and a contentious budget, but not everyone is on board!

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3 weeks ago

Sumter County council adopts resolution, advances first reading to negotiate incentives with “Project Peanut” Council unanimously adopted Resolution 25-05 to negotiate a fee-in-lieu agreement with Project Peanut and advanced Ordinance 25-1036 on first reading, authorizing potential infrastructure credits and the sale of about 47 acres in Pocotaligo Industrial Park.

Sumter County Council has taken a bold step towards economic growth by unanimously adopting a resolution to negotiate incentives for the mysterious "Project Peanut," potentially transforming local industry!

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3 weeks ago

Sumter County Council unanimously approves rezoning requests and two third‑reading ordinances At its Feb. 10 meeting, Sumter County Council approved three rezoning requests and two ordinances — including an incentive and land-sale package for Georg Utz, Inc. — with all votes unanimous; administrators also announced ribbon cuttings and community initiatives.

Sumter County Council just made waves by unanimously approving major rezoning requests and a significant economic boost for Georg Utz, Inc.

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3 weeks ago

Council approves Project Kerrigan FILOT, solar project FILOT and sale of Diebold Drive parcel Sumter County Council unanimously approved a FILOT incentive for Project Kerrigan, granted a FILOT for Toce Solar 1 LLC (formerly 'White Palmetto') and approved the sale of a 1.19-acre parcel near Diebold Drive; all measures passed on third reading with no public opposition.

Sumter County Council just approved a landmark $45 million investment in Project Kerrigan and a major solar energy initiative, paving the way for significant economic growth!

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3 weeks ago

Sumter County Council approves two rezonings, defers third amid access concerns Council granted second reading to rezoning requests for 1940 and 2615 Peach Orchard Road to allow commercial and light-industrial uses, respectively, and deferred a rezoning for 3535 Broad Street after public traffic and access concerns were raised.

Sumter County Council is shaking things up with two rezoning approvals, but one request is on hold due to community safety concerns—what does this mean for local development?

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3 weeks ago

Sumter County Council advances $40 million bond authorization; $7.1M earmarked to start Delaine Community Center Sumter County Council granted second reading to an ordinance authorizing up to $40 million in general obligation bonds and bond anticipation notes; County Administrator Gary Mixon said $7.1 million of the first BAN is reserved to begin the Delaine Community Center project.

Sumter County Council has taken a significant step by advancing a $40 million bond authorization, with $7.1 million already earmarked to kickstart the Delaine Community Center project!

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3 weeks ago

Sumter County Council adopts $65.18 million FY2026 budget with no tax increase On June 10, 2025, Sumter County Council unanimously adopted the FY2025–2026 general fund budget of $65,179,733, which officials said requires no tax increase and uses $491,063 from the general fund to balance. County Administrator Gary Mixon presented the plan and Council approved third reading of Ordinance #25-1027.

Sumter County Council has just approved a $65.18 million budget for FY2026 without raising taxes, setting the stage for a financially sound future!

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3 weeks ago

Sumter County Council unanimously approves CPST bond authorization and multiple ordinances At its March 11 meeting, Sumter County Council granted final approval to a $40 million Capital Penny Sales Tax (CPST) bond authorization and approved several zoning and street-transfer ordinances; all recorded motions passed unanimously.

Sumter County Council just approved a groundbreaking $40 million bond tied to the Capital Penny Sales Tax, paving the way for major developments and zoning changes!

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3 weeks ago

Sumter County approves FILOT for Project White Palmetto; formally identifies Project Kerrigan for negotiation Council granted second reading of an ordinance authorizing a Fee-In-Lieu of Ad Valorem Taxes for Project White Palmetto and unanimously adopted a resolution to negotiate a FILOT for Project Kerrigan, which the county packet estimated could mean about $45 million in investment and roughly six jobs.

Sumter County is paving the way for economic growth with major projects like White Palmetto and Kerrigan, potentially bringing in millions and new jobs!

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3 weeks ago

Sumter County Council certifies 1% sales tax referendum and approves multiple rezoning and ordinance measures; one rezoning denied On Nov. 12, 2024 Sumter County Council certified the results of a one-cent capital projects sales tax referendum and approved a package of zoning and ordinance measures — including two third-reading rezonings and an industrial-park amendment — while denying a second-reading rezoning after discussion and public comment.

Sumter County Council has made significant moves by certifying a 1% sales tax referendum and advancing multiple zoning measures, but a controversial rezoning request was denied after heated discussions.

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3 weeks ago

Sumter School District presents FY2025 budget showing $3.37M gap; superintendent says no millage request Sumter School District officials presented a FY2025 budget showing projected increased expenditures of $10.78 million and a revenue shortfall of about $3.37 million to be covered from fund balance. Superintendent William Wright said the district is not requesting a millage increase this year; council members pressed on recurring-cost risks of using fund balance.

The Sumter School District's FY2025 budget reveals a staggering $3.37 million gap, yet the superintendent insists there won't be a millage increase this year—what's the plan to cover it?

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3 weeks ago

Sumter County Council approves first readings for three rezoning requests and reallocates ARPA funds to Dalzell fire station At its Oct. 8 meeting, Sumter County Council granted first reading to three rezoning requests, approved reallocating $226,251 in ARPA funds to the Dalzell Fire Station construction, adopted calendars and a proclamation recognizing Respiratory Care Awareness Week, and received reports on Hurricane Helene and EMS plans.

Sumter County Council made significant strides at their recent meeting, approving three key rezoning requests and reallocating over $226,000 in funds for the Dalzell Fire Station.

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3 weeks ago

Sumter County approves inducement resolution to negotiate incentives for $250 million solar farm Sumter County Council unanimously adopted a resolution to negotiate a fee-in-lieu of ad valorem taxes (FILOT) and special source revenue credits to support Project White Palmetto, a proposed solar farm with an estimated $250 million investment; the sponsorname was withheld.

Sumter County just took a major step towards a $250 million solar farm, paving the way for groundbreaking tax incentives and economic growth!

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3 weeks ago

Sumter County Council votes 5-2 to send 1% capital projects sales tax referendum to voters Sumter County Council adopted Ordinance 24-1004 in a 5–2 vote to place a one percent Capital Projects Sales Tax on the November ballot, authorizing up to $40 million in bonds if voters approve the measure for up to eight years. Council debate focused on prior project reporting and procedural rules for the chair.

Sumter County Council's recent vote to place a one percent Capital Projects Sales Tax referendum on the November ballot could unlock up to $40 million for vital community projects, but not without heated debate on accountability and procedural fairness.

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3 weeks ago

Sumter County Council approves FY2024–25 budget, $3.5M bond and multiple rezonings; penny sales-tax referendum gets first reading At its May 28 meeting, Sumter County Council approved the 2024–25 operating budget (including a new part‑time veterans position), granted second reading to a $3.5 million general obligation bond for capital purchases, approved two rezoning requests, and gave first reading to a proposed 1% capital project sales tax referendum. Council deferred a zoning-variance amendment and voted down funding for two Solicitor paralegals.

The Sumter County Council has just approved a $3.5 million bond and a new budget, but the biggest news? A pivotal sales tax referendum is on the horizon!

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3 weeks ago

Sumter County residents and council press for action on litter, poor rural roads Residents and council members urged immediate action on widespread litter and deteriorating rural roads at Sumter County Council’s Jan. 24 meeting; council scheduled committee meetings and the county announced a new litter officer and recent litter prosecutions.

Sumter County residents are demanding urgent action against rampant litter and dangerous rural roads, as officials vow to address these pressing issues at upcoming meetings.

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3 weeks ago

Sumter County Council approves $3.5M bond package and adopts budget with 2.0 mill increase; easement granted Sumter County Council on May 23 approved Ordinance 23-988 authorizing up to $3.5 million in general obligation bonds, adopted the FY2023–24 budget ordinance that includes a 2.0 mill increase (Ordinance 23-987), and granted a stormwater easement (Ordinance 23-986). The budget passed 5–2; other measures passed unanimously.

Sumter County Council just approved a $3.5 million bond package and a budget with a 2.0 mill increase—find out what this means for local residents!

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3 weeks ago

Sumter County Council approves zoning changes, updates industry codes On Aug. 8, Sumter County Council granted first reading approval to three rezoning requests and unanimously approved an ordinance updating zoning code references from SIC to NAICS. One rezoning drew an opposing vote from Councilman Carlton Washington over conservation concerns.

Sumter County Council is shaking things up with new zoning changes and industry code updates – including a controversial dissent over conservation concerns!

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3 weeks ago

Sumter County grants second reading to stricter solar‑farm rules, sets 200‑ft setbacks and 125% decommissioning surety After a public hearing with farmers and Shaw AFB, Sumter County Council on Nov. 28 granted second reading to OA‑23‑01, which tightens rules for primary photovoltaic systems: special‑exception review, 200‑ft setbacks, 50‑ft evergreen buffers, pollinator‑friendly groundcover standards and a required decommissioning surety equal to 125% of removal costs.

Sumter County Council is tightening solar farm regulations with new rules that could reshape agricultural land use—are these changes a step forward or a setback for local farmers?

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