The Sumter Count Board of Commissioners met November 19. The Board held employee recognitions. Timothy Estes, Parks and Recreation Director, was recognized for 30 years of service.

Joshua Gibson, with jail operations, was recognized for 20 years of service. Michael Hernandez, with the Sheriff’s Office, was recognized for 15 years of service.

The following employees were recognized for 3 years of service: Deatrice Harris, Human Resources, Karen Jansen, Clerk of Courts, Randol Zane Newman, building inspector, and Andreon Sims, with jail operations.

Chair David Baldwin entertained a motion to ratify the email vote for Walter Scott Carver for County Administrator. Commissioner Jessie Smith made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Mark Waddell. Baldwin then entertained a motion to approve the hiring of Carver. Smith made a motion, seconded by Waddell, passing unanimously.

County attorney Hayden Hooks commented on the proposed ethics statement for Sumter County. “We listened to your feedback last week, and Doug and I’ve done some research, and want to add some more teeth based on some of your, your concerns, and want to add some additional investigative options.” She stated that both her and the interim County Administrator Douglas Eaves had reviewed the ethics statements from several counties and would get back to them in December.

Eaves then addressed the Board. “On October the 24th, the Department of Revenue and panel review board that was requested by the Board of Commissioners sent their final report to the Commissioners.”

Eaves summed up the report. “Most of the deficiencies seemed to be from the lack of training, experience and consistency that resulted in turnover from the Chief Appraiser’s office.” He stated that the report also found a lack of supervision from the Board. “There’s an eminent need for additional and supplemental training, especially personal property evaluations.”

Eaves gave further details, stating the report talked about digest compliance. “The agriculture and residential properties classes, the level assessment, there was an issue with those.”

Eaves gave the conclusion. “For these reasons, it’s recommended that the County perform a reevaluation, update residential and agricultural land, and improve its schedules to correct the deficiencies. You’ve already approved that as part of the budget.” He stated the problems required minor adjustments. “All these were things that could be rectified by Board involvement, additional training, and just looking at some of the details of the way the office was ran.”

Finance director Lomenzo Rheddick addressed the Board, recommending PJC Group LLC for the auditor for the fiscal year 25-27.

Rheddick gave the cost. “That $75,000 is all inclusive to include the discovery, the audit, as well as the financial statements per year. The only additional cost would be the single audit for the program.”

Baldwin entertained a motion to approve PJC Group, which was made by Smith and seconded by Waddell, passing unanimously.

Baldwin also entertained a motion to appoint Fire Chief Jerry Harmon to the regional EMS advisory council. Smith made the motion, which was seconded by Waddell, passing unanimously.

Smith also recommended that the County begin paving the dirt roads. He stated they would no longer require a motor grader to maintain. He gave Barnes Road as an example.

Commissioner Jim Reid commented. “That’s not even a County Road, and we’re not going to take on no private road.” He stated the agreement to maintain the road already caused trouble with people who had long driveways who wanted their driveways scraped. He stated he came as a citizen when the decision was made and objected to partiality.

Public works director Jim Littlefield commented on the reason that road was scraped. “Basically it’s a maintenance agreement on a private road and the language reads the County has the right to maintain the road, they’re not obligated to maintain the road.” Littlefield also referenced the court case involving Statham Lakefront Road. The case involves a dispute over whether the County is obligated to maintain the road according to wgxa.tv.

Hooks commented. “Given the pending litigation, maybe lets stop talking about private roads that the County maintains.”

For more news from the November 19 Board meeting, see County Commissioners discuss changes to fire fees.