Williamsburg County

The Special Called Council Meeting was convened to address matters requiring immediate attention. The primary discussion item involved entering into an executive session to discuss matters concerning the FTC litigation, in accordance with section 30-4-70A. Following the executive session, the council returned to the public session without taking further recorded action, and subsequently adjourned the meeting.

The agenda for the meeting included a Public Hearing concerning the Ordinance Number 2025-11 to adopt the Williamsburg County 2045 Comprehensive Plan Update. The regular meeting agenda included second readings for ordinances authorizing the enlargement of the Joint County Industrial Park to include Project Splitshot, and accepting the transfer of authority to the Board of Elections for conducting municipal elections for the Town of Greeleyville. Old Business items included requests for authorization of a contractual agreement with Coastal Carolina YMCA and approval of the USDA Rural Development Letter of Conditions for waste management equipment purchase/improvement. New Business involved authorizing Williamsburg County, as the FAA Airport Sponsor, to execute and submit FAA Form 5100-144 for the Airport Terminal Program. Appearances were scheduled to discuss exploring the creation of a Special Purpose District for Recreation and Broadband, and concerning changing the form of government from a County Supervisor to a County Administrator.

The meeting commenced with an invocation. Key agenda items included the approval of the minutes from the June 5th meeting. A second reading and approval were conducted for an ordinance authorizing the execution of a deed conveying property in Hemingway to Baxter Road LLC for $450,000. The council also addressed Resolution number 2023-06 regarding the authorization of water and sewer rates for FCI Williamsburg for FY 2023-2024, which included a proposed 4.9% increase in the water rate, discussed with the water superintendent. Additionally, time was allocated for Mr. Jenkinson to discuss the upcoming African-American Heritage Celebration, detailing events like a musical performance, a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the African-American Archives (a $600,000 investment), and presentations by Gordon Ray and author Joe McGill. The session concluded with a motion to enter executive session to discuss a personnel matter in the county supervisor's office.

The meeting included the oath of office for council members from districts one, two, and six. A resolution was approved to authorize the supervisor to sign the notice of award for the construction of the Earl water system. The council then moved into an executive session to discuss personnel matters within the county supervisor's office and the water and sewer department, as well as some contractual matters. The council recognized Johnette Connolly for her assistance with the county's financial difficulties.

The meeting included a prayer and a motion to go into an executive session to discuss the proposed South Carolina allocation agreements concerning the opioid settlement. The council then returned to the special call meeting to authorize the Williamsburg County supervisor to sign the terms and conditions of the settlement of the opioid litigation. The resolution includes a release and is considered a confidential settlement agreement. The attorneys are authorized to include the County in the parties wanting to settle, contingent upon court approval.