FAIRFIELD – Under a plea agreement, Kerry Sampson, 30, of Winnsboro was sentenced on Monday to 4 years in prison, reduced from 12, for the hit and run death of pedestrian John Caldwell on April 16, 2017 on Old Camden Road. The case was heard in General Sessions Court in Winnsboro by Circuit Judge Lawton McIntosh.
SAMPSON
Originally charged with reckless homicide, an uninsured motor vehicle violation, hit and run, DUI, and leaving the scene of an accident with injuries, Sampson’s attorney Geff Dunn of Rock Hill said Sampson thought he had hit a deer, not a person. Maximum sentence for the conviction of these crimes is 25 years.
Prosecutor Riley Maxwell said Sampson had left a club on Old Camden Road about 2:20 a.m., driving a 2010 Dodge sedan. Maxwell said Sampson immediately passed a pickup truck in a no-passing zone and struck Caldwell who was walking along the roadway. Witnesses in the truck said Sampson turned his car around and drove off.
Sampson drove to the home of his girlfriend, where he hid the car in the garage for several days before turning himself in, according to Maxwell.
McIntosh said no evidence was presented that Sampson had intended to hide the car or that alcohol was involved.
Asked by the judge if Caldwell could have survived had he been given aid, Maxwell said he could not have.
Families of both Sampson and Caldwell spoke at the trial.
“I know he didn’t mean to do it, but he should have stopped,” said one of Caldwell’s relatives.
“My brother didn’t deserve that,” said one of Caldwell’s sisters. “Our family has gone through hurt and agony. I can forgive, but not forget. God is good, but this was wrong.”
Trevon Kelly broke into tears as he barely spoke above a whisper in support of his stepson [Sampson.] Sampson’s mother, Gail Kelly, told the Caldwell family that she hurts for them and prayed for them and their loss continually. She said her son is not a bad person.
“He works hard as a carpet layer and does not get into trouble,” she said.
Sampson’s girlfriend’s mother read a note written by her own mother about Sampson.
“I’ve known him since he was a baby and I love him. He is one of the most respecting persons in the world. He’s a good person,” Robbie Harris read.
Sampson’s attorney, Geff Dunn, pleaded with the judge to sentence on the lower end of the punishment scale for the crime, citing that Sampson had never been in trouble and was a hard working young man. Sampson then turned to address the family of the man whose death he was responsible for.
“I’m so sorry. I didn’t see him. I didn’t. I’m just so sorry,” Sampson said, concluding his comments to the family.
Judge McIntosh lamented the scene of two families in the Courtroom, both hurting.
Sampson will serve five years of probation after he is released from prison. McIntosh said the five years can be reduced to three if Sampson strictly complies with his rules of probation.
COLUMBIA – A man has been arrested following a shooting the morning of May 12 that killed a Winnsboro man and hospitalized another man, the Richland County Sheriff’s Department said.
Kendall Jamil Brice, 29, was charged with murder and attempted murder, according to Sheriff’s reports.
Theron Rodrequis Woodard, 26, of Winnsboro, was identified as the man who died of a gunshot wound to the upper torso, Richland County Coroner Gary Watts said.
The Sheriff’s Department originally reported that the shooting occurred around 4:30 a.m. at Parklane Road and O’Neal Court, but further investigation revealed it actually occurred in the road on Columbia Mall Boulevard, according to the news release.
Deputies found two men who had been shot in the upper body, and both were taken to an area hospital, The Voice reported last week.
While Watts said Woodard was pronounced dead at 5:12 a.m., the other man remained hospitalized on Sunday evening. He has since been released from the hospital, the Sheriff’s Department said.
Brice was arrested around 10 a.m. Thursday, May 16, by sheriff’s deputies and members of the U.S. Marshall’s Service, and taken to the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center.
Brice has also been charged with first-degree burglary, two counts of attempted armed robbery, and possession of a weapon during a violent crime that occurred on Feb. 17 in the 100 block of View Drive, according to a Sheriff’s department news release.
Council To Discuss Chamber Finances at Thursday Night’s Budget Workshop
BLYTHEWOOD – The Greater Blythewood Chamber of Commerce’s budget and other documents reveal the Chamber is in financial trouble and has been for a while. Those documents were obtained by The Voice on Tuesday.
Now in the red by $22,000, the 183-member organization is taking steps to dig its way out – moving to a less expensive location and taking out a line of credit for $20,000 as it adjusts to not receiving the lucrative financial support previously provided by the town government.
Executive Director Mike Switzer resigned his position two weeks ago, and Interim Director Phil Frye said office manager Kitty Kelly has submitted her resignation as well, effective July 1. Chairman of the Chamber’s Board, Matt Cunningham, said in an email to members that Switzer is leaving his post with the Chamber in order to dedicate more time to one of his business ventures.
Several Board members have confirmed to The Voice that the Board voted unanimously last week to give up their office in McNulty Plaza and are searching for less expensive office space in the town. According to records, the Chamber has been paying $23,500 annually for rent to Mayor J. Michael Ross and his business partner who own Blythewood Professionals.
During the current fiscal year, the chamber received approximately $44,000 from the Town’s general fund and accommodation tax fund as well as additional funding for any events organized by the chamber. Council also approved $14,000 in Hospitality Tax revenue for a Chamber fundraiser to be held next fall. According to the request, the Chamber expects a total net profit of $21,125.12.
Frye said the organization remains intact.
The changes during the last couple of weeks have come as the deadline approached for the Chamber to turn over its financials for Council’s review prior to Thursday’s budget workshop. Mayor Pro Tem Eddie Baughman said Council will discuss those financials during the workshop on Thursday, May 23. The third and final vote on the budget is set for the regular council meeting on Tuesday, May 28.
The financials were presented to Council members via email on Tuesday and include the Chamber’s budget for the current fiscal year ending June, 2019, a profit and loss detail and expense detail for the former Visitor Center from July – December, 2018.
The Voice obtained the documents through a Freedom of Information request and reviewed them with Certified Public Account Bob Massa, a former Town Council member and former member of the Chamber board.
While the Chamber had a total income of $88,587.13 (as of May 13) for fiscal year 2019, that amount was surpassed by total expenditures of $110,865.81, leaving a deficit of $22,278.68 for the year.
A Chamber source said the Chamber will not be requesting any funds from Council for this budget year but hopes to receive some funding from Council in the form of sponsorships for various Chamber events throughout the year.
COLUMBIA – Amid budget discussions, policy revision votes and a slew of special recognitions, one board member’s critique of the Richland Two chairwoman’s job performance punctuated a more-than-four-hour meeting.
The drama began at about the 38-minute mark of the May 14 meeting when board member Lindsay Agostini called attention to “inconsistent” enforcement of the board’s public participation policy.
Agostini
Agostini accused McKie of giving preferential treatment to some speakers while shutting down others.
“At a Feb. 12 meeting, we denied a participant. The chair stated they had missed the signups. The chair stated we are going to strictly adhere to board policy going forward because we are going to be as ethical and policy abiding as we possibly can,” Agostini began.
The speaker in question had, at a previous meeting, called for McKie to step down, saying that McKie was not legally seated due to having failed to file a statement of economic interest form which is required by law before an elected school board member can be sworn into office.
“However, on March 26, a different community member came to speak who admittedly showed up too late to sign up on the list, and the forms had been pulled,” she continued. “When I expressed concern to our board chair in an email, she responded by saying she chose to allow latitude to allow the person to speak.”
McKie said she had started cracking down on public participation after she felt some speakers failed to display proper decorum.
“When our meetings became out of order, when they became a three-ring circus, and people used my graciousness and latitude for personal gain and for insult, I chose to abide by public policy,” McKie said. “I don’t make any apologies for that. I’m happy to abide by public policy.”
McKie has come under fire in recent months, largely over a litany of violations of state ethics laws.
The S.C. Ethics Commission recently fined her $51,750 for failing to file various ethics forms. There have also been calls for her to step down from the board.
As public participation began last Tuesday night, the evening’s only speaker sided with Agostini and called for greater transparency from the board.
Columbia resident James Mobley, who ran unsuccessfully for the board in the past, also called upon the board to extend public participation from three to five minutes.
“You have hurt Ms. Agostini and I’m sad about that,” Mobley said. “I believe that she deserves an apology. Unity should be a driving factor on this board.”
Later, during the board member comment period, Agostini again raised the issue of inconsistent adherence to district policies. Then she turned to McKie’s ethics issues.
Agostini didn’t directly mention McKie by name, though she referenced a story in The Voice that stated McKie hadn’t filed her April 2019 quarterly campaign disclosure report as of May 7. It was due April 10.
According to Ethics Commission filings, McKie filed the form May 8, the day after The Voice notified her about the tardy filing.
Agostini stated the missed ethics deadline came on the heels of the board adopting a policy demanding punctuality from staff when submitting reports and assignments.
“Once again we’ve heard from the media of another missed deadline for campaign disclosure reports after being assured in January that it wouldn’t happen again,” Agostini said. “When do we start walking the walk and hold ourselves to the same standards we put in place for others?”
McKie was visibly frustrated with what she called “accusations” and “personal attacks,” though she never addressed anyone by name.
“I have a bevy of comments to share but in the respect of your time I won’t do so,” McKie said. “I won’t dignify certain accusations tonight that haven’t been asked of others.
“You can’t pick and choose who’s acceptable to hurt and who’s not,” McKie continued. “At a board meeting or any facility, nobody should be hurt. Nobody should be injured; nobody should be castigated.”
Other board members, most of whom have also missed ethics filings, and some of whom have paid fines, avoided addressing Agostini’s comments. Most declined to say anything at all.
Board member Cheryl Caution-Parker was the only other trustee to speak. She didn’t directly address any issues from the meeting.
“I do have something to say, but I’m not going to say it, but it’s on the tip of my tongue,” Caution-Parker said. “I’m sure a lot of you out there know what I want to say.”
WINNSBORO – Senator Mike Fanning announced on Tuesday the appointment of four new magistrates for Fairfield County – Jannita Gaston, Danielle Miller, Katina Capers-Washington and Vannessa Hollins. They will join Magistrate Russell Feaster, appointed by Fanning last year, and Chief Magistrate Paul Swearingen.
The new magistrates replace longtime magistrates William Robinson, Johnny DeWeese, Will Pope, who retired April 30, and Carol Tolen who retired in January.
Robinson and DeWeese received letters from Fanning stating that they would not be reappointed.
“Wednesday, May 22, will mark a fresh start…a new day…and a new court here in Fairfield County,” Fanning said in a press release issued on Tuesday.
The turnover of Fairfield’s magistrates followed questions asked last week by a Charlotte television station after it learned that Fanning was replacing all but one of five sitting magistrates in Chester County.
“Only Chief Magistrate Angel Underwood is being recommended for reappointment to another four-year term,” the station noted. “Underwood is the wife of Chester County Sheriff Alex Underwood who was just indicted on multiple criminal charges.”
The station questioned why four qualified and long-term magistrates were being put out of jobs, noting that, “Several people had brought the issue to Channel 9 because Fanning is close to the Underwood family.”
Fanning said he is making the process of choosing magistrates “more open and transparent than it used to be.”
Fanning said he advertised the positions and that over 40 individuals expressed interest in the position and dozens applied. In order to insure an unbiased review, Fanning said he assembled a team of current or former magistrates from surrounding counties – to evaluate applications, interview finalists and recommend for appointment. The names of members of the review committee have not been made public.
Fanning, who represents part of York County and all of Chester and Fairfield counties, has been passionate in postings on Facebook about his support for Alex Underwood.
“This is the time to stand behind the man who would lay down his life for us all. This is the time to stand behind the man you voted for. This is the time to stand behind our Sheriff Alex Underwood.” Fanning posted.
The Voice has been unable to contact Fanning regarding the Fairfield County appointments. He did release the following information about the new magistrates:
Jannita Gaston, a Winnsboro resident, is a graduate of Benedict College, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology. Gaston has served in corrections and law enforcement for over forty years as a correctional officer, deputy warden of administration, warden and regional director. During her career as an administrative manager with the state of South Carolina, she worked in all facets of correctional operations. She currently serves on the Fairfield Behavioral Health Service Board.
Danielle Miller is a lifelong resident of Fairfield County and is a graduate of Winthrop University where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and creative writing. She has worked as a paralegal and also obtained certification as a Global Career Development Facilitator. She has served on the Fairfield County School Board and currently serves as chair of the Fairfield County Chamber of Commerce.
Katina Capers-Washington is a resident of Winnsboro and a graduate of the University of South Carolina with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology, and Webster University. She worked five years during college as a paralegal. She was a school counselor for the Newberry School District for seven years. Capers-Washington and her husband Carmen have established a scholarship for students of Fairfield Central High School majoring in business administration or culinary arts.
Vannessa Hollins, a lifelong Fairfield resident, is a 1991 graduate of Midlands Technical College where she earned Associates and Bachelor degrees in Criminal Justice Administration. She also earned a Master’s degree of Public Administration at Bellevue University. In 2001, Hollins earned her Summary Court Judges Certification from the SC Criminal Justice Academy/SC Court Administration. Judge Hollins has served as a Municipal Court Judge for the Town of Winnsboro and is a director of her local non-profit, Chameleon Inspirations Learning Center, in Winnsboro.
Opening day at Fairfield’s renovated market building. | Michelle Taylor
WINNSBORO – The opening of the newly renovated market building in downtown Winnsboro on Saturday was grand. Inside, it featured more than 40 vendors for shopping and a near-capacity crowd ready to buy. It was the place to be from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Jules Ruff and Lonzo Ruff’s produce sold out in about an hour. | Photos: Barbara Ball
Located at 117 E. Washington St., behind the clock, the building has served many capacities since the late 1800’s, including a livery stable, bowling alley, and car lot. On Saturday, the building found its perfect fit.
Prior to cutting the ribbon, both Chamber of Commerce Director Gene Stephens and County Administrator Jason Taylor thanked former Chamber Director Terry Vickers for initially proposing the idea to revive the building.
“A lot of things we do in local government are very important,” Taylor said. “One of those is to have projects like this that build our community and bring us together. While this project is ending, it will continue as a farmers market and a venue for weddings, reunions and other events. I hope this is the beginning of the revitalization of downtown Winnsboro.”
The low cost project was paid for with $35,000, donated by the Chamber and matched by another $35,000 from the County.
Sophie Lynch
Under Taylor’s guidance, county workers have turned the former stable into a show barn.
Following the ribbon cutting, singer Sophie Lynch entertained from a balcony high above the front doors.
Shoppers snatched up bargains on collards, potted plants, crafts, fresh veggies and massages.
Door prizes were awarded every half hour and lunch was available from food trucks lined up in front of the building.
The building features an open, rustic concept and includes a classroom and a large kitchen that Taylor said will be certified as a DHEC and catering kitchen.
Blythewood Principal Matthew Sherman accepts the SCHSL 5A State Runner Up trophy as the Bengals, Athletic Director Barry Mizzell and R2 Superintendent Dr. Baron Davis look on.
COLUMBIA – For the better part of a season, the Blythewood baseball team made a living out of guts and pulling victory from defeat.
In the deciding game of the best-of-3 5A state championship series Friday night at the Columbia Fireflies’ Segra Park, the Bengals fell one round of the bases short of clinching a state title.
John Lanier (21) tries to ignite a rally in the bottom of the seventh.
With Blythewood down 2-1 with two out in the bottom of the seventh, John Lanier caught hold of a Sam Hatcher fastball and drove it deep into rightfield. Dutch Fork’s Brice Alexander was in a position to end the game right then, but Blythewood stayed alive when the ball ricocheted off the top of the webbing on the outfielder’s glove.
Lanier raced for second and easily made it.
Brady Beasley stepped in the batter’s box, and worked up a 2-2 count. When Hatcher delivered another offspeed pitch, Beasley swung on with the intent of driving a ball far enough to get the tying run across the plate.
He missed, and so too did the Bengals, who fell 2-1.
“We did a good job managing it, keeping within striking distance,” said Blythewood head coach Banks Faulkner, whose team excels at bunting and base running, with an occasional reach for extra bases. “We did have a lot of opportunities and the things we pride ourselves on we weren’t very good at tonight, and it’s a hard lesson.”
Brady Beasley (11)
In the three games against the Silver Foxes (24-10), Blythewood accounted for just four runs to Dutch Fork’s nine. Even so, the Bengals (25-10) stayed close. Only once—in the ninth inning of the first game of the series they won 2-1 on May 11—could they find a game-winning base-running and hitting combination.
Blythewood fell 6-1 at Dutch Fork Wednesday to force Friday night’s game. Bengals and Silver Foxes fans filled the bowl of the 9,000-plus capacity stadium and lounged in the picnic areas, hanging onto strikeouts and a couple of pushes home.
While Blythewood came up short in its final game of the season, Faulkner said the younger players who came up a circle of the bases short of winning a state title will have the resolve to work toward that end—if they can be leaders.
“We’ve got a really good group coming back but we graduate some key leaders, Faulkner said. “The key to next year’s team will be to find leadership. We’ve got some really good players, but that’s a lot more, and that was what was so special about this team.”
Added Faulkner, “Their resolve and their leadership and the way they bounced back, they were a pleasure to coach, probably my favorite team I’ve ever coached.”
For Dutch Fork, which had to bounce back from the losers’ bracket in its district tournament and in the lower state tournament, the moment was as sweet as it was bitter for the Bengals.
“We’re living the dream tonight,” Silver Foxes head coach Casey Waites said. “You got two teams who are known for hitting a baseball. We’re living the dream with these guys right here. We’d expected to do this a long time ago. Our guys bringing a state championship to Dutch Fork baseball love it, love it.”
Harrison Lambert (13) scores to tie the game at 1 in the bottom of the second.
Dutch Fork took a 1-0 lead in the second when Noah Jackson scored on a Lucas’ 2-out wild pitch to Brice Alexander. Alexander later singled, but Jalon McDuffie grounded out to end the inning.
Blythewood got that run back in the bottom of the second. Harrison Lambert legged out an infield hit and Nate Hinson reached on an error, and Zach Bailes walked to load the bases with two out. As Lucas batted, Lambert scored on a botched pickoff attempt with the bases loaded.
Dutch Fork got another run in the fourth inning when Jackson hit a 1-out double into the left centerfield gap and moved to third on a passed ball. Crosby Jones plated Jackson with a single to right.
That run turned out to be all the Silver Foxes needed.
Lucas walked Lance Fuhr to put runners at first and second with one out, but he recovered and struck out Alexander and got McDuffie to ground out to John Lanier at first.
The Blythewood bats lay silent for the next three innings, as Webb and the Silver Foxes retired nine straight batters from the second to the fifth innings. Lucas reached on a walk and Lanier singled with two out in the bottom of the fifth, which signaled the end of Webb’s night.
When Sam Hatcher came on the mound in relief, he went up 0-2 on Michael Gregory, then got him to hit a short grounder that second baseman Noah Jackson scooped up and fired to Ryan Helms at first for the third out.
Josh Cowan (6) took the mound in the seventh.
Blythewood finally caught a break when Brady Beasley led off the sixth with a single, Jansen Stokes bunted him over to second, and Lambert’s one-out single to right put runners at first and third.
A go-ahead inning was not to be for the Bengals, as Nate Hinson struck out and Josh Cowan ended the inning on an infield pop-up.
“Ice in his veins, his pitches,” Waites said of Henry, who with the Silver Foxes defense snuffed out three potential rallies. “He doesn’t try to overpower people, he throws his curveball, his changeup, threw a couple of fastballs, awesome job.”
Thus, Dutch Fork came into the seventh with its 2-1 lead intact. In the top of that inning Bengals catcher Josh Cowan took over on the mound for reliever Kevin Steelman. Cowan got Jay Metts and Ty Olenchuk to fly out. He hit Hugh Ryan, but Ryan Helms grounded out to set up Blythewood’s last effort.
“They fought till the last out,” Faulkner said. “I told them I was proud of them and I love them. Sometimes the game is cruel and the pain will take a while, but we’ve gotten the program back the way it should be. We’ll win a state championship at Blythewood, and when we do, it’s gonna be because of this game.”
DUTCH FORK 2, BLYTHEWOOD 1
DUTCH FORK – 0-1-0-1-0-0-0 – 2, 4, 1
BLYTHEWOOD – 0-1-0-0-0-0-0 – 1, 6, 0
WP: Doug Webb LP: Landon Lucas
HITTERS: Dutch Fork – Noah Jackson 2-3, 2B. Blythewood – John Lanier 2-4, 2B.
Gov. Henry McMaster presents the S.C. Teacher of the Year plaque to Chanda Jefferson. Looking on are S.C. Superintendent of Schools Molly Spearman, Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette and Fairfield School District Superintendent Dr. J.R. Green. Photo: South Carolina Department of Education
WINNSBORO – When Chanda Jefferson was named South Carolina’s 2020 Teacher of the Year last week, she made more than her mother proud. All of Fairfield County was bursting at the seams with pride for one of its own.
A native of Beech Island, SC, Jefferson has been teaching for eight years, the last three as a Biology teacher at Fairfield Central High School. Prior to that Jefferson was named S.C. Outstanding Biology Teacher in 2014, and was one of 20 teachers to receive the Princeton University Fellowship for Teachers. Other honors during her career include being invited by a Harvard University professor to speak to world-renowned scientists and researchers at the 74th Annual Society of Developmental Biology Conference in Utah.
“This has been a crazy adventure and a blessing at the same time!” Jefferson posted on her Facebook page.
FCSD honored Jefferson in a parade in front of Fairfield Central on Monday. Other District Teachers of the Year and 2019 Dual Enrollment graduates were also honored during the parade. | Martha Ladd
The day after being named the top teacher in South Carolina, Gov. Henry McMaster honored the state’s new 2020 Teacher of the Year, and on Monday, the Fairfield County School District held a parade on Highway 321 in Winnsboro in Jefferson’s honor.
A graduate of the University of South Carolina, Jefferson traces her love for teaching to her childhood.
“As a child, I enjoyed playing school with my nieces, nephews, and cousins. I always took the role of teacher,” she said.
Jefferson said she is thrilled to be honored and that the work of every teacher is something to be recognized on a regular basis.
“Each day that we walk through the doors of our schools and classrooms, we positively impact the lives of students and that deserves to be celebrated every day, every day,” Jefferson said. “I am so thankful, honored, humbled and blessed to stand before you as the 2020 South Carolina Teacher of the Year.”
Jefferson has said her goal is forming relationships and lighting the way towards achievement for her students and the students across South Carolina.
“Each year, teachers receive students from all walks of life, and it is our job to teach them. Some students enter our classrooms with a village of support, while others enter alone,” she said. “Yet no matter how they arrive to our classrooms, we must build relationships with them, engage them, and show them that we care. All students will face challenging situations, hardships, and confusion, but in the midst of varying degrees of adversity, teachers have the power to show them how knowledge, uniqueness, and individual interests can empower them and create endless possibilities in life.”
Jefferson will receive a total of $25,000 and the keys to a new BMW to use while serving a one-year residency at the Center for Educator Recruitment, Retention, and Advancement. Jefferson will be a roving ambassador providing mentoring, attending speaking engagements and other duties as she serves as the spokesperson for 50,000 teachers.
Her winnings will also include a set of new tires – for when she’s finished with her new ride – and a Jostens ring.
COLUMBIA – A shooting early Sunday morning left a Fairfield Couty man dead and another man injured, the Richland County Sheriff’s Department reported.
Theron Rodrequis Woodard, 26, who lived in Columbia but is a native of Blair, was identified as the man who died, according to a news release from Richland County Coroner Gary Watts.
An autopsy showed Woodard’s cause of death was a “gunshot wound to the upper torso,” Watts said in the news release.
Deputies responded to a call of shots fired about 4:30 a.m. near Parklane Road and O’Neal Court in Columbia, Capt. Maria Yturria said.
Yturria said deputies arrived to find two men who had been shot in the upper body. Both were taken to an area hospital.
Woodard was pronounced dead at 5:12 a.m., Watts said in the news release.
The other man remains hospitalized, according to Yturria.
The shooting is being investigated by the Richland County Sheriff’s Department and coroner’s office.
Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to call the sheriff’s department at 803-576-3000 or Crimestoppers at 888-CRIME-SC.
Councilman Moses Bell, right, and Councilwoman Bertha Goins
WINNSBORO – In a series of votes Monday night, council members struck down budget amendments that would have added $900,000 in recreation improvements, $100,000 for vehicle replacement and a $1.2 million economic development office.
Council members also balked at a proposal to fund individual discretionary spending accounts following public outcry. As one council member suggested, the votes boiled down to needs versus wants.
“We cannot be selfish and think that we have all the answers,” said Councilman Clarence Gilbert. “I wouldn’t put a playground in my backyard if I knew I needed a refrigerator in my house and I didn’t have enough money for both.”
Councilman Douglas Pauley, who voted against most of the amendments, raised concerns that the proposed $45.2 million budget rose 12 percent while it increased only an average of about 5 percent during the last four years.
Reading from a prepared statement, Pauley called upon council members to cite the funding source for their various budget amendments.
“We might be able to accommodate this by pulling from the fund balance,” he said. “But we will be increasing property taxes if we go down this path.”
County Administrator Jason Taylor said a few amendments could be funded through other sources, such as bond revenue. But Taylor also agreed that dipping into reserves is unsustainable, noting that a three-mill tax increase would only generate about $450,000.
“We cannot continue to do it (dip into reserves) year after year,” he said.
In order to fund every council member’s request, “you’d have to raise taxes significantly,” Taylor added.
Some council members, however, pressed for increased spending.
Angrily pointing his finger at the end of the meeting, Councilman Moses Bell said he was “really disappointed” a majority of council members wouldn’t support his request for $800,000 [toward a $1.5 million estimated cost] for a recreation center in his district [Ridgeway].
In the end, Council members voted 5-2 against the $800,000 appropriation, with only Mikel Trapp and Bell supporting it.
Bell claimed from the dais Monday night that the previous District 1 Council member had said the recreation center had been approved. That original approval, however, had been for $500,000, not $1.5 million.
“The constituents are the same, the district lines haven’t been moved. The only difference is that I’m here. This was not right what was done,” Bell said. “I am disappointed, I am so disappointed. This is a disgrace to this county.”
One hot button issue not receiving a vote was a controversial proposal to allocate $35,000 for discretionary spending accounts for council members. If approved, the measure would have given each of the seven council members $5,000 to spend with no restrictions.
After significant public outcry against the discretionary spending, none of the council members brought it up for vote.
Five speakers addressed the proposal during public comments.
“At best it’s Santa Claus at taxpayers’ expense,” resident Carol Turner said. “If $35,000 worth of pipeline could be funded, the money would be much better spent that way. You are not Santa Claus, you are our elected representatives.”
Councilman Bell, who supported discretionary spending accounts, pointed to Richland County, saying council members there receive $12,000 apiece.
Jackie Workman, spoke in favor of discretionary funds.
Ridgeway resident Randy Bright noted that the Richland County discretionary accounts had come under fire following investigative reports published in The State and Charlotte Observer newspapers.
“Terms like “loose,” “no accountability,” and “chaos” reigned supreme in the story,” Bright said. “Discretionary funds didn’t work before [in Fairfield], don’t work in Richland. It’s outside the true parameters of how our government is set up.”
Final reading of the Fairfield County budget is tentatively scheduled for the May 28 meeting, which is being held on a Tuesday since Memorial Day falls on a Monday.
(NOTE: There is an error in the box at right of the story – $25,000 for the Chamber was actually approved, not denied.)
Some council members, however, pressed for increased spending.