Ronald Covington

The agenda for this meeting includes approval of the agenda and previous minutes from December 9, 2025, and December 17, 2025. A public hearing is scheduled for Ordinance #874 concerning the issuance of Special Source Revenue Bonds up to $3,000,000 related to tax payments from Designated Multi-County Parks. Presentations are slated from Marc Wood regarding the Financial Audit for FY 2024 - FY 2025, and Sheriff Larry McNeil for a yearly update. Old business involves third readings for Ordinance #876 regarding the Multi-County Industrial and Business Park agreement with Darlington County, and Ordinance #869 related to a Fee-in-lieu of AD Valorem taxes agreement with Monarch Energy LLC. Also, the second reading of Ordinance #878 concerns the sale of county-owned property to a prospect known as "Speckled". New business includes Resolution #01-26-01 authorizing the issuance and sale of Special Revenue Bonds as previously approved in Ordinance #874. The agenda also lists appointments to Boards and Commissions, Acceptance of Bids (None), reports from the Finance Director and County Administrator, and the Election of Officers for Chairman and Vice-Chairman.

The Marlboro County Council meeting included presentations, approval of agenda items, and discussion of new and old business. Key topics included the adoption of the annual budget, approval of the capital improvement plan, and an agreement with the Marlboro County Rescue Squad for paramedic services. The council also discussed animal and plant health inspection services, preventative maintenance for the library, and proclaimed April as Sexual Assault Awareness and Child Abuse Prevention Month. Bids were opened for construction improvements to a water distribution system and new water system additions. Appointments were made to the Workforce Development board, and plans were discussed for a recreation ad hoc committee.

The meeting included discussions on adding past council minutes, budgets, and credit card statements to the website. A presentation was given regarding hate crime legislation. The council went into an executive session to discuss contractual matters. There was also a presentation by the chairman of the county commission regarding airport operations, including the history of the airport, its facilities, and future projects such as runway renovation. An ordinance was discussed authorizing the sale of property known as the former Marberry Park Hospital and North Cook development to Project Fountain, with plans for a medical facility. Another ordinance was discussed relating to the purchase and sale of property to a major employer in the county as part of an incentive agreement. A resolution was presented establishing the administrator for the fiscal year and authorizing the county article and the county administrator to set credit.

The council discussed changes to the agenda, including striking items and adding new business related to opioid legislation. A public hearing was held for the annual budget ordinance, with a presentation on the budget's highlights, such as cost-cutting measures, elimination of open positions, and adjustments to the EMS budget. Decreases in revenue from state sources were anticipated, but a "doomsday budget" was avoided. Expense increases were noted for health insurance, property liability insurance, and retirement contributions, along with budget requests for cost-of-living increases and a compensation adjustment study. The council also considered software for the tax assessor's office, lease vehicles, and an increase in pay for volunteer firefighters. A solid waste fund was discussed, including fees for construction debris at convenience centers. There was a focus on avoiding a tax increase. The council also discussed a capital improvement plan, a resolution authorizing the submission of an application for emergency management funding, and the postponement of a reassessment program. Additionally, they considered the donation of a vacant lot, a broadband initiative grant proposal, opioid legislation, and building reports.

The meeting included the installation of council members, approval of agenda items with a change to item 7D, and the election of officers. The council re-elected Mr. Jason Stein as chairman and Miss Cory PL as Vice Chair. A presentation was given on the audit report ending June 30th, 2020. Discussion and approval of an emergency ordinance to declare a state of emergency in Marlboro County. An ordinance authorizing execution and delivery of a fee in Le of tax agreement between marble County and short horn Holdings LLC was discussed. The council also discussed a report ending physical year June 30th 2020, consideration of approval Workforce Development Area designation petition consort agreement and designation of a grant recipient agent relating to the implementation of a Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, appointments to boards and commissions, and the compensation study update for staff.