SAN ANTONIO, TX – Westwood standout defensive back and University of South Carolina commit Cam Smith now has another accolade he can pin to his already impressive resume. Smith, the third-ranked prospect in the state according to Rivals.com, has been selected to participate in the All-American Bowl in San Antonio, Texas.
The All-American Bowl will be televised on NBC on Jan. 5, and its 4.4 million viewer average makes it the most-watch high school sporting event in the nation. Prominent names such as Andrew Luck, Odell Beckham Jr., Tim Tebow and Jalen Ramsey have participated in the All-American Bowl in past years.
Smith received a bevy of offers from power-five schools, but officially made his decision to join the Gamecocks after Westwood’s season opener against Lugoff-Elgin. Rivals also has Smith listed as the 37th best cornerback in the class of 2019, and is listed as a four-star prospect.
BLYTHEWOOD – Mayor J. Michael Ross is inviting members of the Blythewood community to an On the Table breakfast at Lizard’s Thicket Oct. 24 at 8 a.m.
“The occasion is a one-day opportunity to build personal connections and explore how we can work together to make our community stronger,” Ross said.
Those who participate in the breakfast are then invited to complete a short email survey about the conversations they had at the breakfast that cover important issues. A report highlighting the survey response will be issued by the Community Foundation, which is committed to bringing people together to create a more generous, vibrant and engaged community, Ross said.
Seating is limited. If interested in attending, call Town Hall at 754-0501 by Oct. 19.
Members of Winnsboro’s Cultus Club gather around the table at Fairfield County Museum waiting for Winnsboro native Nelle Smith to autograph her newly released book, Paradise: Memories of Hilton Head in the Early Days. From left, Margaret DuBard of Blythewood, Museum Director Pelham Lyles, Trev Sherrod and club president Mary Lynne Zeno.
WINNSBORO – Nelle and John Gettys Smith and their children Gettys, Spenser, and Ora, moved to Hilton Head Island in 1963 to take over the work of Charles Frazier who was developing the Sea Pines community.
These many years later, Nelle, 86, and now a widow, and her daughter Ora have collected their memories of life on the island into a book titled Paradise: Memories of Hilton Head in the Early Days. And since it was published by the Chapel Hill Press last March, the book has been selling briskly as the two women promote it across the low country and the state.
Their tour most recently brought the pair to Winnsboro where Nelle grew up. She spoke about her book to a gathering at Christ Central on Sunday, then signed autographs at a reception at the Fairfield County Museum.
“What was Hilton Head like in the early days?” Nelle writes in her book, “It was a quiet, simpler time with mostly dirt roads, surrounded by incredible natural beauty.
“Being a part of the growing Island was a chance of a lifetime…witnessing the first Heritage Golf Tournament…feeling the joy as people began to discover this oceanfront treasure nestled in the tall pines. Our family was there to help plant the seeds that have grown Hilton Head into the beloved destination it is today.”
Friends and members of the Cultus Club munch on appetizers and fruit punch at book signing. From left: Barbara Martin, Sarah McMaster, Michelle Taylor, organizer Phyllis Gutierrz (chairwoman of the Fairfield Arts Council) and Janet Brakefield. | Photos: Barbara ball
Growing up on Bratton Street in Winnsboro, the daughter of the beloved town physician, Dr. Charles Spencer McCants and Isabelle Gooding McCants, Nelle left home in the early 1950’s to attend two years at Mary Baldwin College in Staunton, VA., before returning home to finish her schooling at The University of South Carolina.
“At that time,” Smith said, “people, at least in Winnsboro, thought Carolina was so wild that the girls should go to another school first so we would not be so wild right away.”
In the book, Nelle recounts how she met her husband-to-be, from York County, on a blind date. After they were married, they moved their young family to Hilton Head where they immersed themselves into the Island community. Besides his work with Sea Pines, John Smith was one of the founders of the Heritage Golf Tournament. Nelle spent her years on the Island managing Nell’s Harbor Shop and working on community projects.
Today Nelle Smith lives in Beaufort with Ora and is basking in the limelight of her new book which, she proudly announced, has almost sold out the first printing. The paperback sells for $19.95.
WINNSBORO – Winding down to Nov. 6, six Fairfield County candidates aren’t worried about the outcome of their races. Norma Branham (County Treasurer), Judge Pam Renwick (County Probate), Peggy Hensley (County Auditor), Henry Miller (School Board Dist. 3), Carl E. Jackson, Jr. (School Board Dist. 5) and Eric F. Cathcart (Soil & Water Conservation Dist. Commission) are running unopposed.
But 15 other candidates are in the hunt, and their campaign signs are popping up in yards and along roadways.
Here are the seats that are up for grabs.
COUNTY COUNCIL
District 1
Dan Ruff
Incumbent Dan Ruff, 61, is running for his second term representing District 1.
I came in to office in 2014 with the stated goal of helping to bring honesty, openness and accountability to the county government.
I think this council has done that and more. We transitioned the county’s struggling health care system to a state of the art emergency room facility that will open the end of this year while maintaining the county’s rehab service; completed critical water and sewer infrastructure for economic development and job creation and created a joint water authority between the county and the Town of Winnsboro.
Representing Ridgeway, I have worked to help council accomplish the following:
Constructed and opened a new Ridgeway Fire Station
Partnered with Ridgeway Town Council to obtain state grant money to improve the sidewalks
Provide road and site work for Ridgeway’s new water tank project
Saved Town of Ridgeway money by providing site work and equipment for installation of new town park playground equipment
Renovated a building in Ridgeway for a temporary library as a permanent library is being planned for the town
Approved a new recreation center for Ridgeway that will be constructed in 2019
Good things are coming to Fairfield County. One of our greatest accomplishments was to put in place a county administrator, Jason Taylor, who has the vision, I believe, to bring the county to its full potential.
Mr. Taylor has focused on reorganizing a number of the county’s departments to make them more efficient and provide better services to our citizens. We are focusing heavily on jobs and economic development.
We have improved the working relationship between the county and the towns, and we are reaching out to assist our towns with grants and projects that will benefit us all.
I am a lifelong resident of Ridgeway and have served 40 years as a deacon and Sunday school teacher at Aimwell Presbyterian Church. I have served on the Ridgeway Town Council, the economic development board and other town and county committees. I have served as a volunteer firefighter and have always stood ready to serve and support Ridgeway in any way that I can.
I am married to Brenda, and I have a son, Daniel. I own and operate the Ruff & Company.
Moses Bell
Moses Bell, 64, is challenging Councilman Dan Ruff for the District 1 seat.
I have lived in District 1 of Fairfield County all my life. I am married to Ruby Bracey Bell of Camden SC for over 43 years. I am active in the community, chairman of the Deacon’s Ministry at Mount Olive Baptist Church in Ridgeway, adult Sunday school teacher, volunteer firefighter and over 30 years of management experience that includes certification as a Six Sigma Black and Lean Manufacturing Project Leader.
I have served on many Fairfield County Boards and Commissions to include chairman of the Fairfield County Rural Fire Board, the Planning & Zoning Commission, the Strategic Planning Commission for the County and many advisory positions. I served as chairman of the Sheriff Success Academy under Sheriff Herman Young who worked with under privileged youth and volunteered at Manning Correctional Institution teaching religious manhood classes and expectations.
I want to seek opportunities for our citizens, who deserve a better Fairfield. If elected, my focus will be on the following: Infrastructure improvements of water, sewage and high-speed internet; Industry recruitment…jobs; resources and facilities for senior and youth recreation; resources for paid firefighters and incentives that enable growth of volunteerism; Improve efficiency of county government resources; fully transparent county government and I will work with the communities to seek input into building a better Fairfield County. I also hope to work with others to bring to Fairfield County free technical education as in 34 other counties/school districts in SC.
Mikel Trapp, Sr.
District 3
IncumbentMikel Trapp, Sr.is seeking a full term after winning his current seat two years ago when the District 3 Councilman Colonel Walter Stewart resigned for health reasons. Trapp also served two terms prior to being defeated by Stewart in 2014. Trapp did not submit information about his candidacy.
Peggy Swearingen,64, is challenging Councilman Mikel Trapp for the District 3 seat for the second time in two years.
Peggy Swearingen
I am running for this seat because I feel that Fairfield County needs someone from District 3 who will speak up and help the other district representatives on our current council in the progress they have made to reign in some of this excessive spending that my opponent helped incur under the previous administration. He voted for and supported the previous county council’s $24 million bond (that we are paying $43 million for). Because of that bond, our county is now so in debt that we can no longer borrow money. Six of our seven current council members (Bertha Goins, Dan Ruff, Jimmy Ray Douglas, Neil Robinson, Douglas Pauley and Billy Smith) are a team whose votes and support have made drastic changes, giving our taxpayers hope that they will be able to survive and thrive. But my opponent for the District 3 seat, voted for that bond.
We need a full team on council who will continue to work for fiscal responsibility and attract jobs for our citizens. We need better fire protection, better police protection and better EMS coverage for our residents.
Douglas Pauley
District 5
IncumbentDouglas Pauleyis seeking re-election after being elected to a partial term when Councilman Marion Robinson resigned due to health reasons. Councilman Pauley did not did not submit information about his candidacy.
Matthew Seiblesis a newcomer to the political arena.
I have two main concerns that influenced me to run for council – jobs and recreation. I am concerned about why, when we bring in jobs, we can’t keep them. I also think it would benefit the county to have a recreation complex for tournaments and regional and district games. I played ball here in this county when I was young and on up till adulthood. My kids played ball here and now my grandkids are playing ball here. I’ve coached football, baseball and basketball. Sports are good for kids and I think the County would benefit from having a really nice sports complex.
Matthew Seibles
I have served on the county’s recreation board, and I am a member and head Deacon at Faith Christian Church. I was employed by the school district for 30 years.
District 7
With Council Chairman Billy Smith stepping down from the District 7 seat on Dec. 31 as he prepares to move to Baton Rouge, LA, three candidates are hoping to take his place.
Lisa Brandenburg
Lisa Brandenburg, 55, ran unsuccessfully last winter for a seat on the Fairfield County School Board. She has now set her sights on County Council.
After much prayerful consideration and reflection, I have announced my candidacy for Fairfield County Council, District 7. I am a native resident of Fairfield County and have dedicated the past 30+ years to serving this community. I am a graduate of Winnsboro High School and Winthrop College, where I earned both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education and administration/supervision. I am married to David Brandenburg, Sr. We have two grown children, David and Dori, who each have shown their own dedication to making our county a better place.
For the past five years I have been an active participant at County Council meetings and also attended all Strategic Planning Sessions. I understand the unique needs and challenges facing Fairfield County. I am dedicated to supporting economic development, protecting the environment, producing fair and focused plans, protecting tax dollars and strengthening Fairfield County rather than further dividing it.
Jana Childers
Jana Childers,48, is a first time candidate for public office.
I don’t have a college degree or any background in politics. I am a concerned mom with a passion to make this county a better place for all our citizens.
I am a Navy Veteran and have lived in Winnsboro for over 20 years. I am married to Chris Childers, mom of 6, stepmom to 1, and Memaw to 4. I work in the S.C. Highway Patrol state headquarters and am a member of the First Baptist Church in Winnsboro.
I look forward to meeting the residents in District 7 and I vow to work diligently to make Fairfield County a place we are proud to call home.
Clarence Gilbert
Clarence Gilbert, 58, a lifelong resident of Fairfield County, says he has never run for political office, but has always been active in the community.
I have served on several boards including the Behavioral Health Substance Abuse Board. I am a former corporate regional sales director, serve as a Deacon at St. Mark Baptist Church in Simpson where I also serve as chairman of the stewardship ministry and I am a founding father of the Brotherhood Ministry. I also sing in the Brotherhood Choir.
It’s time for the citizens of this county to put aside our differences and come together to find ways to make our county better for everyone. I don’t have all the answers, but those who know me know that I am honest, will speak up for the betterment of this county and will use a common-sense approach to getting things done. I will not make promises I can’t keep and I will not jump on board because everyone else is going along with it. I will get the facts and make sound decisions. I am particularly concerned about economic development for this county, jobs, recreation, improvements in the county’s water and sewer infrastructure and beneficial relationships between our towns and our county government.
I have owned my own landscaping and lawn service for 18 years. I am married to Deloris and we have two adult sons and four grandchildren.
Greenbrier/Bethel Fire Chief Sammy Castles joined the Ridgeway firefighters in the dedication of the new engine. | Photos: Barbara BallFollowing tradition, firefighters and friends push the new engine into the station.
RIDGEWAY – Jason Pope, Director of the Fairfield County Fire Service, welcomed members of the Ridgeway community to the dedication of the county’s newest fire engine, Engine 71, at the Ridgeway Fire Station last week.
After remarks from Ridgeway Fire Chief Jamie Webb and several county officials, those officials as well as county firefighters participated in the traditional ‘pushing’ of the truck into the station. The new engine brings the station’s trucks to five, including another pumper, a tanker, a squad truck and a brush truck.
The fire station was constructed and dedicated in 2017.
Assistant County Administrator Davis Anderson, Ridgeway Town Councilman Don Prioleau, Ridgeway Fire Chief Jamie Webb, County Councilman for Ridgeway Dan Ruff, County Administrator Jason Taylor, Ridgeway Town Councilman Dan Martin and Director of Fairfield County Fire Services Jason Pope.
WINNSBORO – It wasn’t quite as dramatic as the Brett Kavanaugh hearings, but there still was plenty of suspense at Monday night’s Fairfield County Council meeting.
Council members gave final reading to an ordinance authorizing the county to move forward with an $11.5 million plan to build a new government center at the site of the former Mt. Zion Institute.
Though the announced vote was 5-2, Councilman Cornelius Robinson said after the meeting that he abstained (an abstention is recorded as a yes vote according to the Council’s bylaws).
“I believe in this project but I couldn’t convince many of my constituents that it was good thing for the county. Rather than vote no I abstained,” Robinson said.
Council members Douglas Pauley and Mikel Trapp voted against the ordinance.
Trapp didn’t comment on the Mt. Zion project from the dais.
Pauley, one of two holdouts during first and second reading, said he previously abstained so he could gather more information. He expressed concerns about cost.
“Fairfield County is in possession of 80 or more county maintained buildings,” he said. “Adding one more to it would definitely add more cost to the county.”
Councilman Dan Ruff, the other council member who previously abstained, said he remained undecided as recently as Monday morning.
Ruff said he had concerns about traffic and a monument on the property, but ultimately voted yes, saying he didn’t see a better plan to remediate the woes with the County’s current government building. He also thinks it’ll be an economic boost to Winnsboro.
“This has been a very, very tough decision for me,” Ruff said. “This morning I was still very uncertain, back and forth. This to me isn’t ideal, but I haven’t seen a better solution”
The proposal calls for repurposing the Mt. Zion campus into a new government complex. More than half of the funding would come from state and federal tax credits associated with the property.
Once complete, the new complex would be more than double the size of the existing admin building, encompassing nearly 45,000 square feet.
No plans have been announced for what would become of the existing county building.
Ten people signed up to speak specifically about Mt. Zion during public input time Monday night, with a majority of those speaking supportively and urging the council to vote yes.
Claudia Cathcart, the first person to speak, noted that Fairfield County has been struggling to keep jobs.
Council members supporting the repurposing of Mt. Zion have said plans for the new government complex could help increase foot traffic in downtown Winnsboro, and help offset losses after the recent closure of Walmart, as well as the failed nuclear project at V.C. Summer.
Element recently announced it would cut more than 100 jobs, citing Trump administration tariffs, before reconsidering, adding further uncertainty in Fairfield County.
“We’ve had some bad luck in the county,” Cathcart said. “Now is the chance to overcome some bad thoughts. Please vote yes for this project.”
Also supporting the Mt. Zion proposal was Joan Cumbee.
“This is the least expensive and most energy efficient option,” Cumbee said. “It is the only option that will not require a tax increase to do needed repair work.
“The claim that all neighbors are opposed is not true,” she added. “I live in the neighborhood and nobody asked my opinion.”
Winnsboro resident Susan Taylor touted economic benefits the project would bring.
“This is a plan that our county can afford,” Taylor said. “It’s the only plan that our county can afford. I believe that the refurbishment of these buildings would bring property values up.”
Not all supported the plan, however.
Dr. Marie Rosborough, a frequent critic of the Mt. Zion plan, once again voiced her opposition.
“Your budget has increased $13 million over the past three years,” Rosborough said. “That concerns me. Exactly how did you come up with these figures? So many people support your effort if you don’t live next door.”
In the end, however, council members approved third reading following a discussion in executive session.
Right before the vote, Council Chairman Billy Smith, who has pushed in favor of the project since its first proposal, took note of the considerable dialogue the Mt. Zion plan has received.
“That’s the most involvement I’ve seen us have on any issue,” he said, adding, “I hope the involvement continues.” Reached after the meeting for comment on the proposal’s advancement, Smith said, “I’m glad council had the vision to take advantage of such a rare opportunity as this. I think it gives us a shot at revitalizing Winnsboro and making the first step of turning things around. There’s risk in everything that ends up good and I acknowledge that, but if this is successful, in two years, we’ll look back and know we made the right decision. Then in 10 years, we’ll be known across the state for it as a model for others to follow.”
BLYTHEWOOD – On the same night that a Blythewood Exxon service station on Blythewood Road was robbed at gunpoint last week (Blythewood gas station robbed at gunpoint, Sept. 27 issue of The Voice), a resident on Blythewood road reported that her 2018 Thor Freedom RV was stolen from her yard, and that thieves had also ransacked and stolen items in her 2017 Ford Expedition that was parked at the home.
The resident told Richland County Sheriff’s deputies that the Ford Expedition was unlocked and that it contained the only key to the RV. She said that key was apparently used to drive the RV away.
According to the incident report, the resident stated that when she woke up that morning, she noticed that the RV was missing and that the glove box and center console of the Ford Expedition were open and appeared to have been “gone through.” Her wallet with miscellaneous debit and credit cards were also missing from the vehicle, the incident report stated.
Three nights earlier, on Sept. 18, five residents of Blythewood’s Dawson’s Pond neighborhood also reported thefts during the night from their unlocked vehicles.
At press time, the Richland County Sheriff’s Department had not provided more information on any of these incidents other than the number of the incidents and that the vehicles were unlocked.
“We have experienced some auto break-ins in the Dawson’s Pond community. This trend is going on nationwide and we truly need the communities to help us with the issue,” Richland County Sheriff’s Deputy Danny Brown told The Voice.
“People are leaving their cars unlocked with items in plain view inside. We want citizens to please lock your vehicles up, remove anything from the interior compartment. The vehicle should look empty if anyone walks up to it. Don’t tempt the bad guys,” Brown said. “They are going driveway to driveway late in the evening or early morning pulling on door handles to see if they are unlocked,” Brown said.
Brown urged neighbors, “If you see something please say something.”
BLYTHEWOOD – Mayor J. Michael Ross called a special meeting of the Blythewood Town Council Monday night for ‘Consideration of removal of a Planning Commissioner.’
Ross said he had learned that Commissioner Robert Cappadona no longer lives in the town.
Cappadona
“According to the municipal planning commission chapter 150 of the SC code of ordinances, sec. 150.03 states that all candidates applying to the commission shall be electors that reside in the Town,” Ross said.
To comply with the statute, council voted 5-0 during the 10-minute meeting to remove Cappadona from the Commission.
Cappadona, who has served approximately 10 years on the commission, remains on the Blythewood Facilities Board, according to Ross. The Facilities Board’s members which include Columbia Mayor Stephen Benjamin, were responsible for signing off on the $5 million bond that was levied to build the Doko Park facilities. Those board members also recently signed off on the bond’s refinancing. Cappadona previously served on the Town’s economic development board which is now disbanded.
Cappadona was the focus of discussion last month when his absence was blamed for the commission not having a quorum for consideration of a Hilton Hotel Home 2 Suites.
While four of the seven Commission members were absent, Cappadona had confirmed with the town clerk that he would be present. The other three had confirmed they would not be attending and were not expected.
The meeting was delayed for half an hour while the commission chairman and town clerk tried to reach Cappadona. Without his presence, the commission’s business could not be conducted. When Cappadona did not answer or respond to the calls, the meeting was cancelled.
At that meeting, representatives for Hilton Hotel’s Home 2 Suites had made trips to Blythewood from Atlanta and Seneca to resolve commissioners’ questions from the August commission meeting concerning traffic access to a 1.93 acre site where representatives of the hotel chain are requesting to build a four-story, 88-bed hotel building adjacent to I-77 and behind San Jose’s restaurant.
Following that meeting Ross released a list of all members of the town’s boards and commissions and their attendance records.
Cappadona and several others had missed more than half their meetings this year.
“In an effort to update the Town’s records, we sent all commissioners emails asking for their current addresses and other contact information,” Ross said. “Mr. Cappadona did not respond, but later he did and he gave us the address of 1107 Rushing Road. That is not in the Town of Blythewood,” Ross said.
Ross added that Cappadona had not resigned as of Monday night.
“So we are going to vote for Mr. Cappadona’s removal from the planning commission since he does not live in the town limits,” Ross said.
Following the vote, Ross asked Town Administrator Brian Cook to attend the Planning Commission meeting which was to follow the Town Council meeting, to inform Mr. Cappadona, if he should attend, that he cannot vote or even take part in the meeting as a commissioner.
WINNSBORO – A housing project proposed by the Fairfield County school district aims to keep teachers – along with their salaries – within Fairfield County.
But for the plan to move forward, school officials say the county must also pitch in with tax incentives.
Dubbed a “teacher village,” the approximately $3.6 million project is designed to build at least 30 homes off U.S. 321 Bypass, on 22 acres behind the district administration building.
The purpose is to attract and retain high quality teachers by providing housing that’s affordable and attractive, said Sue Rex, chairwoman of the Fairfield County Education Foundation.
“We have a major teacher shortage in our state, and especially in the rural districts,” Rex said during a presentation at the Sept. 19 school board meeting. “It’s far to drive to the school districts, and there are not a lot of affordable, attractive housing arrangements available.”
No votes were taken on the teacher village.
According to the plan, an investment company would front $3 million of the required revenue. The remaining $600,000 would come from seven-year tax abatements requested of the school district and county.
When asked why abating county taxes for a school district project is necessary, Superintendent Dr. J.R. Green noted the district doesn’t receive any tax revenues from fee in lieu of tax agreement the county creates to attract industry.
It’s only fair, he said, that the county contribute.
“The school district can’t do it all,” Green said. “It needs to be done in conjunction with the county.”
Green said he’s spoken to several council members individually, and that they’re supportive of the idea. He declined to name them.
In exchange for the investment firm providing capital, the school district would also deed the 22 acres to the developer. The land coupled with the tax abatements would be the school district’s only liabilities, Green said.
Thirty homes would be built on half of the parcel, with 30 to 40 additional homes possible on the other 11 acres.
If only half the property is developed, the undeveloped half would consist of nature trails and green space, Rex said.
Should the plan moves forward, teachers would be given first priority in the village, where rent would range from $600 to $900 a month.
District office staff would come next, followed potentially by Fairfield County first responders.
Homes would feature two, three and four bedrooms, and be between 1,200 and 1,700 square feet, Green said.
“We’re talking about granite countertops, we’re talking about wood floors,” he said. “We’re talking about very nice homes our staff would be very excited about living in. This takes it to another level.”
Board members, including Henry Miller, were generally in favor of the teacher village. Miller said Fairfield County’s population has been stagnant for years, but thinks the village could be a catalyst for growth.
“We have to step outside of the box. I ask, how can Lexington land all these different jobs? Its recruitment, it’s a competition,” Miller said. “Nobody is going to give you anything, you’ve got to go out and snatch it.”
Board Chairman William Frick said other school districts are pursuing teacher villages, though he said Fairfield’s is the most ambitious.
Frick noted that Dillon County is doing something similar with duplexes, while Allendale County is providing dorm spaces for teachers at USC Salkehatchie.
“I’m not talking about fancy dorm rooms at [the University of South] Carolina. I’m talking about teeny, little twin beds, and they’re charging those people $500 a month and they’re filled,” Frick said of the USC Salkehatchie rooms.
“Dillon County is investing in duplexes and they’re getting people there,” Frick continued. “I think it’s something a lot more school districts are going to get involved in.”
Not every board member was sold, however.
Board member Paula Hartman wanted to know what happens if homes aren’t built for educators as advertised.
Frick and Green said language could be written into the deed in which the property would revert to the district if homes weren’t built, though Green acknowledged that solution isn’t a certainty.
“That’s something that we would have to continue to negotiate,” Green said. “Once we transfer land, they understand what our motivations are, which are to provide housing for our staff members as well as first responders.”
Frick viewed the project as a traditional economic development deal.
“I think that’s how economic development works,” Frick said. “They draw up fee in lieu of [tax] agreements and tax abatements to draw people there. This is simply an economic development project, it appears, to me.”
Hartman raised additional concerns about setting a precedent for future developers. She also worried the tax abatement would negatively impact the district and county.
“There is a risk to the children because the money is not going to be there,” she said. “I don’t see how the school board can do that, or the county for that matter.”
Green said aside from the 22 acres, the district has virtually nothing to lose.
“Right now we aren’t collecting any taxes because there are no properties,” he said. “We are not foregoing anything that we are currently receiving.”
JENKINSVILLE – It was another brief meeting of the Jenkinsville Water Company, but what was said afterwards is making waves.
In a brief interview with The Voice following Monday’s meeting, JWC president Greg Ginyard voiced strong disapproval of a proposed water merger between the Town of Winnsboro and Fairfield County.
“Why would we pay somebody to join a water authority when they don’t give us any information about it?” Ginyard said, walking to his car. “They ain’t told us what it’s going to be about, what it’s going to be. Nothing.”
Billy Smith, chairman of Fairfield County Council, said the proposed water and sewer authority would primarily include the Town of Winnsboro and the county. There are no plans to absorb other water companies, including the JWC, Smith said.
“The water authority doesn’t involve Jenkinsville,” he said. “As contemplated, right now it’s between Winnsboro and Fairfield County.”
Smith acknowledged that generally speaking, a broader consolidation of water providers into one system could help lower water and sewer rates.
But the chief motivation behind the current authority plan is to enhance the existing water and sewer system, he said.
“You can pull your resources together and do more,” Smith said.
At its July 23 meeting, the Fairfield County Council voted unanimously on a resolution authorizing the county to proceed with creating a joint water and sewer system. Ginyard attended the meeting.
The resolution authorizes the county “to join with other political subdivisions in the joint system; and other matters related thereto.”
Ginyard expressed skepticism about the water authority concept.
“They said they wanted ‘X’ amount of dollars for you to join a water authority, but they [haven’t said] what it’s going do for you, how it’s going to help, what it’s going to do or anything else.”
Smith said the authority wouldn’t generate any financial obligations on non-participants.
“This is just the start,” he said. “This is going to be a decade-long endeavor.”
As for transparency, the JWC has been dogged by that issue through the years.
In April, after a lengthy executive session, the JWC board voted to accept “Item A,” “Item B” and “Item C” without defining what those items involved.
After a lack of a quorum forced the JWC to cancel its August meeting, departing board members refused to release the agenda to the media, saying only Ginyard has that authority. Ginyard was among the board members absent from the August meeting.
The JWC is also a defendant in a pending lawsuit that alleges violations of the state’s Freedom of Information Act, or FOIA.
