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County Council Meeting
April 17, 2025
Attendees: All Present
Public Hearing
An ordinance to enlarge the Joint Florence – Williamsburg Industrial Park for future development.
An ordinance to extend a Fee In Lieu of Ad Valorem Taxes to Ten Governors Solar, LLC project.
An ordinance to apply surplus funds to improvements at Florence Regional Airport.
An ordinance to purchase the City Hall Building of Johnsonville for use by Florence School District 5.
No one appeared for public comments.
Appearances
Nicole Griggs representing Foster Care Clothing Closet to report on the use of funds given by County Council.
Denine Mitchell and Hope Hanna representing The Pee Dee Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Assault to speak about Sexual Assault Awareness month. They were advocating for prevention instead of aftermath care.
Several residents of The Tara Village Neighborhood Association to ask for support from council to revitalize the community. The residents gave examples of flooding, gun violence, road issues and no sidewalks. In 2017 council marked $150K for improvement of the storm drain system. However, there is no evidence that the work was ever performed.
Committee Reports
The Justice and Public Safety committee reported that they received a study on EMS staffing and response times from a third-party group. They also discussed the hiring of a county fire chief for the first time in unified district history.
The Agriculture, Forestry, Military Affairs & Intergovernmental Relations committee met with the City Conference Committee to discuss water, street lighting, and a proposal for quarterly joint meetings.
Resolutions and Proclamations
A resolution to recognize the week of April 13-19 as National Public Safety Telecommunications Week. Four dispatchers were present to receive the resolution. The local dispatcher group handles over 1.6K calls each month. Florence dispatchers have received awards and recognition at the state and national level. They now operate from a state-of-the-art facility.
A resolution recognizing Barry Frick for his years of service to the maintenance and promotion of Florence County Lynches Park. Mr. Frick has worked to improve the river and is a regular kayak teacher and guide.
A resolution designating April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Florence experiences an assault rate of 8.69 per 10K, which is the highest in the state according to SLED. A resolution designating individual projects of $262K from CPST III Excess Funds.
Ordinances in Position
Third Reading
One ordinance to change future land use designation.
An ordinance pertaining to the East Highway 76 Gateway project.
Second Reading
Two ordinances (industry expansion and FILO) for Ten Governors Solar, LLC.
An ordinance authorizing the purchase of the Johnsonville City Hall Building for a lease-to-own agreement with Florence School District 5.
An ordinance authorizing use of surplus proceeds from the general obligation bond for a $122M investment in new evidence building for FCSO and a new EMS building.
Introduction
An ordinance to create the position of County Fire Chief.
An ordinance to create a new FILO for Project Huckleberry.
Reports to Council
The hiring of Wallace Jordan, Attorney at Law to represent the county in hearings with UPF Litigators in an attempt to recover proceeds for purposeful addiction of children with food and chemicals.
Presentation from Greg Davis of Mauldin & Jenkins CPA of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for Fiscal 2024.
The statements of the audit are unmodified; or clean, which is the best rating. In an audit of internal controls, the audit found no non-compliance or deficiency.
The Federal Single Audit was also unmodified; this audit is required for any organization receiving over $150K in Federal funds.
Two jobs in the Council Clerk office were reclassified for recruitment and retention purposes.
These are budget neutral reclassifications due to departmental savings.
Adjournment
10:25
F1 School Board Meeting
April 10, 2025
Attendees: All board members present
Awards and Recognition
Twenty-two district high school and middle school musicians were recognized for participation in All-State band and orchestra. Two of the students were chosen for both the band and orchestra. Participation is based on a rigorous audition process.
Fifty-four Wilson High School students were recognized for receiving their International Baccalaureate diplomas. This diploma is in addition to their high school diploma, and reflects intensive work in testing, writing essays and community service.
South Florence High School softball coach Bobby Jones was recognized for 600 career wins in his coaching career.
The South Florence High School Webmaster Team was recognized for a first-place honor in the SC State Technology Association Conference.
The Superintendent’s Hidden Hero for the month is Ms. Bertha Wilson. Ms. Wilson has been a bus driver for 9 years with the school district. She drives a route with disabled students and has been a major player in making the students and parents feel comfortable with the students being mainstreamed.
Public Participation
Joyce DeWitt had several questions for the board.
Will Federal cuts affect lunch and DEI programs at F1?
Will summer school programs be cut?
Are consumer classes available?
Can a program be introduced to have students evaluate teacher’s performance?
Can students enter the REACH program if they do not pass the testing?
Will F1 allow ICE raids in the classroom?
It is board policy to not offer answers to questions during public participation.
Superintendent’s Report
Financial Risk Assessment
This is a financial audit to assess the financial stability of the school district. The audit addresses fiscal balances, compliance to procedures, and internal control measures. There are 9 categories measured in the assessment. When CFO Ms. Showe arrived six years ago the assessment score was 4 on a scale of 10. The score progressed continuously with a score of 9 on the scale of 10 for 2024.
Procurement Audit
A summary of the audit was presented to the board. This financial audit addresses the areas of purchasing and procurement. For the fifth consecutive audit, there were no issues noted, and all items were compliant with procedures. This audit is required for any organization receiving more than $150K from the Federal government.
The audit included an audit of procurement practices with minority businesses. F1 made $18M in purchases with local minority businesses in 2024.
Action Items
A new contract for employment of education professionals was proposed and approved. This is a year-long effort by the human resources department to ask teachers about the items they wanted included in the employment contracts they sign each year. Teachers were very appreciative of the changes.
The board approved the use of the firm Audit Services for future financial auditing. There is a trend for auditing firms eliminating services to school districts. This agreement is effective through 2028.
The board heard the first reading of the 2025-2026 proposed budget.
Following are highlights:
Presented as an Outcome Budget focused on the school board goals.
Student Achievement
Recruitment and Retention
Safe and Secure Environment
Proposed budget total of $208,942,723
$1.8M increase over previous year, 4% increase
Projected 3 mil increase in property taxes; 1 mil equals $5.3M
No increase for last 3 years and is still lower than the rate of 4 years ago.
The school system will lose $14.5M to business development recruitment.
On a line-item basis, the state provides $98.3M of the $124.4M required to pay teachers.
F1 balances their budget to projected revenue, which required reductions in some departments.
The general fund showed slight improvement and is very stable.
Writer’s Note:
The SC legislature has required School Resource Officers (SRO’s) in every middle and high school. They included funds in the budget for next year to cover the costs of these officers. But because F1 School District had included these officers last year, they will not receive funding. The rationale was presented that ‘if you could afford the officers in your budget, you can continue to fund in the future’. In other words, the school district is being punished for being proactive and protecting students earlier than the state. I only hope that strikes you the way it strikes me.
The board approved personal leave days (1 per year) for medical and dental wellness examinations and for volunteer services.
District procedures were changed to allow the use of lifesaving medications in compliance with new state guidelines.
The board approved two international education agencies to assist F1 with selection and management of foreign exchange students.
The board approved the Community Eligibility Program which is required for inclusion in the school free breakfast and lunch programs.
F1 has an ISP (Identified Student Population) of 62.85% at or below poverty level.
Writer’s Note:
It was at this point that one of the board members decided to delve into personal politics. He made a connection between the elimination of the Department of Education and benefits to local school systems. Two other board members immediately spoke to use real facts about school programs instead of using innuendo.
Adjournment: 9:45
City Council Meeting
April 14, 2025
Attendees: All present
This was the first meeting for newly elected Zach McKay. He had a good inaugural meeting and seemed very comfortable in his new role.
Appearance Before Council
Susie Brown appeared before council to request installation of a handicap ramp at the Barnes Street Activity Center.
Ordinances In Position
Second Reading
An ordinance to adopt the updated Downtown Design Standards was considered. These standards have gone through a committee to establish standards for materials, architectural design, and lot placement. The board discussion could not stay on track and was finally moved to executive session for legal advice.
One ordinance to rezone property was passed.
Introduction of Ordinances
An ordinance to amend the setback requirements for communication towers met a similar fate as the board discussion could not stay on track and was moved to executive session. Representatives from Duke Energy appeared before the board to explain that they were asking for a one-time waiver to replace an existing tower. Towers are built in areas that allow for fall zones in case of structural failure.
Reports to Council
Mayoral Report
The mayor highlighted city efforts for Keep Florence Beautiful on April 14 with 44 volunteers. Several areas in the city were targeted for the cleanup. The mayor stated that she had received complaints regarding possible racial profiling associated with her 5 Point Crime Plan. She referenced an independent review board established in 2021 to hear any complaints about suspected profiling by the police.
Business Development Committee
The committee met with the new director of the airport Brad Beatles. He has established a 10-year plan to improve and grow the airport. He stated that the greatest asset of the airport is the amount of open space available for expansion. The new business motto is Fly Flo.
Board member McKay was added to the business development committee due to his past experience in commerce and economic development.
Executive Session : 2:42
County Council Meeting
March 20, 2025
Attendees: The following were not present: Williard Dorriety, Kent Caudle (Proxy), Dr. Alphonso Bradley
Public Hearing
An ordinance to lease 59 acres of county owned land for agricultural use.
An ordinance to determine use of CPST excess funds.
Appearances
Jennifer Danford representing The Jade Bridge, which is a local organization giving families resources to foster, adopt and serve youth. Their process is based on Trust Based Relational Intervention to families with youth needing help.
Committee Reports
No reports
Resolutions and Proclamations
A resolution to recognize the South Florence High School football team as the 2024 AAAA state champions; this is their second state championship in three years.
A resolution designating April as Fair Housing Month.
Ordinances in Position
Third Reading
One ordinance to change zoning designation.
An ordinance to enlarge a joint industrial park between Florence and Darlington counties.
Second Reading
Two ordinances to change future land designations.
An ordinance to specify use of funds from CPST II funds from original designation November 2013. Multiple projects have been achieved along with a $1M savings to total revenues. The next project designation is for studies to improve the I 95 and I 20 intersection.
Introduction
An ordinance to enlarge a joint industrial park between Florence and Williamsburg counties.
An ordinance to provide Fee In Lieu of Taxes for Ten Governors Solar LLC.
An ordinance authorizing use of $14M General Obligation Bonds to defray other costs.
An ordinance authorizing purchase of property for use by Florence School District 5.
Reports to Council
The county GIS department has completed a geocoding of all fire hydrants.
A contract for studying the I 95 – 327 intersection has been put out for bid.
The detention center designed to house 520 inmates has housed 545 inmates on average during the past month.
Adjournment 9:56
City Council Meeting
March 13, 2025
Attendees: All present
Appearance Before Council
John Cox appeared before council as a citizen concerned about homelessness and litter in the city. City Manager Dixon gave the following points.
The city has a program titled No One Unsheltered which uses a $75K budget to make sure that anyone discovered on the streets has a place to shelter. Police are constantly watching for people littering or for dump sites in the city. The city funds $10K annually to Keep Florence Beautiful. Two city employees are assigned to travel the city picking up trash in addition to sanitation. 30 neighborhood associations work with the city to monitor and remove trash.
Ordinances In Position
Second Reading
Amendments to ordinance prohibiting ownership or keeping of livestock and wild animals in city limits. The original ordinance has seen a progression with input by city attorneys, local citizens and FMU faculty. Work has been done to specify genus and species included in the ordinance. Changes have been to specify the weight of the animals included. Changes have also been made to clarify rules for transportation of animals to veterinarians or rehabilitation centers.
An ordinance to change codes to establish rules for abandoned and/or vacant residential or commercial buildings. The city will recognize 3 categories of buildings.
Category 1 - vacant but not exhibiting any code issues
Category 2 - vacant but exhibiting code issues from the street
Category 3 - abandoned and exhibiting blight, poor appearance and a crime center
The city is focusing on Category 3, and the ordinance will become effective 01.01.2026. This ordinance will strengthen the position of the city to deal with abandoned structures with no record of ownership.
Two ordinances for annexation and zoning.
An ordinance to amend unified development relating to flood hazard districts to comply with FEMA regulations and Flood Insurance Rate Maps. Flood and property insurance carriers have left Florence due to experience.
An ordinance to impose a temporary moratorium on the city relating to development of properties with cemeteries. The city council needs to consider recommendations on development of these properties.
An ordinance to convey .319 acres of city property to Floyd Family Properties for the purpose of constructing a sports complex.
Introduction of Ordinances
An ordinance to adopt updated Downtown Design Standards to follow recommendations from a consulting firm. There are three parts to the recommended changes.
Florence by Design to establish reasons for the design guidelines
Process to give governance to application and submittals
Standards to give guidelines to design and standards
The objective is to give consistency to the downtown overlay areas for design, spacing, height and public space.
An ordinance to rectify actual expenditures to the budget. Many line items have been impacted by receipt of grants and appropriations.
Reports to Council
Mauldin and Jenkins CPAs gave their Annual Comprehensive Financial Report and Audit for 2024. Partner Grant Davis presented the Auditor’s Discussion and Analysis. The report gave a positive report to the city of the financial audit. The audit included the 85% research of $750K of Federal COVID funds. The General Fund showed a 1.7% increase with $26.2M in on-hand balance. The city saw $59M in expenditures for 2024. This results in a 5.5-month balance in the General Fund.
Mayoral Report
The mayor, city manager, and utilities manager recently traveled to Washington in February. They visited with Rep. Fry and Sen. Graham. Rep. Fry was thanked for authorization of $42.3M in funds for local water treatment. Sen. Graham was thanked for authorization of $5M in 2024 for expansion of local surface water treatment plants.
The mayor has completed 6 of her 7 Fireside Chats.
Business Development Committee
The committee received a report from AE Com on water distribution from a two-year analysis. The report focused on the need to complete several loop systems and future consumption projections. The report showed that $125M will be needed for future needs.
Finance, Audit, Budget Committee
The committee received the in-depth audit report from Mauldin and Jenkins. The report included the full results of all audit sections.
Executive Session 2:36
F1 School Board Meeting
February 13, 2025
Attendees: All board members present. Bryan Chapman (non-resident board member) by phone
Awards and Recognition
Two teachers were recognized for National Board Certification.
Public Participation
Allison McDowell expressed appreciation to the board for making foreign exchange possible for the current school year. F1 has been involved in hosting exchange students since 1999. During that time, there have been 182 students from 53 countries. The current students all have over 100 hours of community service and all are on the A-B honor rolls.
Anika DeWitt is a parent who asked the board who requested that theatre arts be included as a class instead of an after-school activity. She also requested that summer school programs should not just be for remediation of students but also for providing classes for students to advance in their curriculum.
Superintendent’s Report
Superintendent Dr. O’Malley recognized a new Hidden Hero for F1 Schools. He named Nate Fulton who is a Custodian at South Florence High School. Mr. Fulton is very popular at the school because he reaches out to the students for friendship and mentoring.
Action Items
Announced the Intercession week of February 18-21. Remedial classes will be held during this period.
The Leadership Program has enrolled 127 interested teachers in the program which seeks to prepare teachers for administrative roles in the school system.
A new schedule for announcement of the 2025-26 budget preparation is due to a new bill in the SC legislature for teacher compensation.
There were 137 building and maintenance projects completed last year, and the next main projects are completion of the track at South Florence High School, improvement of electrical switch gear at several schools, and rerouting of the car line at Timrod Elementary School.
At a recently held job fair, 18 new teachers were recruited and hired.
The new student academic guide includes a medical terminology certification and a school of business at Wilson High School. The new Poynor Public Health School is on track to open January of 2026.
New procedures were introduced for first reading concerning exchange students in accordance with international guidelines (Committee for Student International Educational Travel).
A new construction contractor at risk has been approved for the new Savannah Grove Elementary School. This approval ensures that the project is given guaranteed pricing, and the contractor accepts all risks. The school is scheduled to open August 2027. Savannah Grove opened in 1954 and is the oldest school facility in the system.
Adjournment 8:26
Election Commission Meeting
February 18, 2025
Attendees: All present except Charlie Blake
Notes
It was like old times at this meeting, the Democrats outnumbered the Republicans 4 to 1. And WBTW television was present. And, all the old and current local activists were in attendance, Suzanne LaRochelle, 2 representatives from Racial Justice Network, Barbara Martin Moses, and Gloria Jones. Also, the county attorney McCann was present. I immediately knew something was up with the meeting.
The last commission meeting was November 19th.
During the pledge of allegiance, two Democrats (both activists) demonstrably sat down and did not repeat the pledge. After the opening agenda items, the commission immediately went into executive session (6:08 to 6:40).
Director’s Report
In a change from normal practice, the different departments did not give their reports. Director Young’s report took place at the completion of the executive session.
Training and testing of poll workers and clerks for the April 1st city council election has been completed.
Staff member Wayne Coleman is completing classes sponsored by the National Association of County Officials which focus on cyber security.
Public Presentation
The following paragraph appeared in my report from November.
Barbara Martin Moses (candidate for school board District 3) appeared to tell the board of her issues on election day. As a candidate, she had stationed volunteers at several polls to continue her campaign. These volunteers were not allowed to campaign at the polls and in several cases, police were called. She contends that she knows her rights as a candidate and those rights were violated. She halted her campaign with 7 hours left in the day.
Ms. Moses appeared again in the Tuesday night meeting. She voiced her concerns again that she was denied her right to freedom of speech by not being allowed to campaign on election day. I do not know but I wonder if she was not following the published rules on how and where she can campaign at the voting polls.
She has now added a complaint that her opponent, Rev. E J McIver, does not have residency in the district he represents. This complaint is true and has been questioned by many over the past years. Writers Note: I have questioned the residency issue for both board members McIver and Chapman (the latter not even being a resident of the state).
Ms. Moses has filed official complaints against Director Young, Board Chair Kennedy, and the election board. She has filed a Freedom of Information Act request that included a response from the State Election Commission that she does not accept.
Abjul Martin is the son of Barbara Martin Moses. He appeared before the commission to ‘testify’ on his mother’s behalf. He was present in Florence on election day and was confronted over the issue of campaigning. He stated that he felt the poll employees are not properly trained, don’t know the rules and that there is an issue with people of color. The poll clerk at Brookgreen precinct called the police to talk with Mr. Martin. He noted that written rules are the law and that unwritten rules are just hearsay. He decided with his mother to stop campaign efforts on election day due to the police presence, but feels that the rules are not legal.
He has asked for the job description for the director and board members. He also feels there should be better documentation and testing for all those involved in the election process. In what can only be taken as a threat, he reminded the commission that in 2019 the election commission in Richland County was forced to resign for not performing their jobs.
There will be a public hearing on these complaints March 5 at 10:00a in the election commission board room.
Adjournment 6:58
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