Board of Commissioners meeting sees split vote for Chair

Published 4:25 pm Friday, January 31, 2025

The Sumter County Board of Commissioners met January 28, the original meeting having been rescheduled due to snow.

During employee recognitions, Sheriff Eric Bryant was recognized for 20 years of service. Gregory Ingram, with Public Works, was recognized for seven years of service, and Tabatha Wills, with the Tax Commissioner’s Office, was recognized for 5 years of service.

The Board heard nominations for chair. Commissioner Jessie Smith nominated Commissioner Jim Reid as Chair. Reid declined.

Commissioner Mark Waddell made a motion to renominate David Baldwin, current Chair. Smith and Commissioner Clay Jones voted against the nomination. Reid voted in favor, creating a split vote. Baldwin was currently out sick, requiring the Board to wait until next meeting.

Reid then opened the floor for the nomination of Vice Chairman. Waddell made a motion to nominate Reid as Vice Chair. Jones seconded the measure. Smith also voted for Reid, causing the motion to pass three to zero.

Waddell nominated Latoya McCants as County Clerk. McCants was elected unanimously. Lomenzo Reddick was nominated as Deputy Clerk by Waddell. Reddick was elected with Waddell, Smith, and Jones voting in favor.

Waddell nominated Hayden Hooks as County Attorney. Reid seconded the motion. Smith and Jones against the motion, causing a tie.

The Board then discussed the resolution approving the waiver of certain penalties and interest upon the sale of delinquent property by the Sumter County Tax Commissioner. Tax Commissioner Leah Watson had come before the Board the previous meeting with a resolution that would grant her the authority to forgive certain penalties and interest on delinquent taxes.

County Administrator Scott Carver commented. “Mr. Chairmen, just to explain the changes that were made, it is only under the sale of delinquent property. So therefore, anyone who needs, or would like to ask for forgiveness, of those penalties or interest other than the sale of delinquent property, would still have to come before the Board.”

Carver explained the reason for the resolution. “During the sale of a piece of delinquent property, sometimes those penalties and interest would stop that sale of that property because the penalties and interest equates to more than what that property is worth. So in that situation, to allow her to be able to move that property and get it back on the tax digest, it allows her the authority to forgive those penalties and interest if needed.”

Smith made a motion to approve the measure, seconded by Waddell. Jones also voted for the measure, causing it to pass.

Jones asked where the money to cover the three months remaining on the dirt road contract would come from. Former County Administrator Douglas Eaves stated it would come from the general fund.

Carver thanked essential workers who had to operate during the storm. Reid complemented EMA, Fire, Sheriff, and all staff who participated in President Jimmy Carter’s funeral, as well as County employees who protected citizens during the storm.