Robert Shealy

The council held a work session to discuss the ownership and paving of Goggans Court and Fawn Court, as well as the expansion of the Mid-Carolina Commerce Park Phase IIIB. During the regular session, the council recognized National Small Business Week and Sheriff's Office employees. Additionally, the council reviewed the status of the new online tax estimator, scheduled a community information session regarding data centers, and discussed various airport and public safety projects. Legislative actions included readings of ordinances related to appropriations for the upcoming fiscal year, rezoning requests, and text amendments to the zoning ordinance.

The council meeting addressed several significant topics, including a proclamation for National Small Business Week and recognition of the Newberry County Sheriff's Office. Key items included public hearings and readings for ordinances regarding budget appropriations for the upcoming fiscal year, text amendments to the Zoning Ordinance concerning outdoor retail sales and building permit fee penalties, and property rezonings. The council also approved the purchase of 800 MHz radios using remaining lease-purchase funds and made various board appointments. Additionally, project updates were provided regarding road and community infrastructure improvements.

The board meeting agenda focused on preparatory activities for the upcoming June Primary. Key discussion topics included a review of bylaws, strategies for poll worker training, the introduction of new handbooks for poll managers and polling location technicians, and the distribution of toolkits. The meeting also addressed logistical planning for early voting, the primary election day, the canvassing process, hand count audits, and preparations for potential runoffs. Additionally, the agenda covered employee evaluations and a personnel matter to be discussed in executive session.

The board discussed potential new polling locations, including a site visit to the O'Neal Street Methodist Church for the Newberry Ward 4 precinct. Members reviewed reports from attendance at the 49th Annual SCARE conference and discussed increasing funding in the upcoming fiscal budget to allow for broader board representation at future conferences. Additionally, the board planned for a special election in the town of Prosperity, including candidate filings, early voting periods, and canvassing schedules. Work on the 2026-2027 fiscal budget and a second reading of the revised by-laws were also addressed.

The board approved a new voting precinct location at O'Neal Street Methodist Church and deferred the review of updated by-laws to the next meeting. Budget submissions for the 2026-2027 fiscal year were discussed, along with upcoming state ethics filing requirements. Detailed updates were provided regarding a special election in the town of Prosperity and preparations for the upcoming primary elections, including efforts to recruit and compensate poll workers. Training and certification schedules for 2026 were also made available for member review.