3 local government headlines to know from the past month

Scott wins House District 50 Democratic Primary

Following a 10-vote difference on Tuesday, April 1, candidate Keishan Scott appeared to be the winner of the S.C. House District 50 Democratic Primary. Following a recount of votes because the votes fell within a 1% margin, Scott maintained his win by an updated 11 votes.

After the recount on Friday, April 4, the final results saw Scott secure 1,436, or 50.19%, of the votes. Opponent Carl Whetsel obtained 1,425, or 49.81%, of votes.

June 3 will be when Scott and unopposed Republican candidate Bill Oden go head to head for the House seat.

The special election is taking place after former Rep. Will Wheeler resigned in January to seek a 12th Circuit Court judge seat, which by law requires he be out of the General Assembly for at least one year.

Fiscal year 2026 budget enters preliminary phase for City of Sumter

It's budget season, and the City of Sumter has introduced its first preliminary draft budget.

The draft currently shows a $1.7 million deficit, which is not abnormal in the draft stages of a budget.

As it stands, the budget estimate shows projected revenue of $91,726,269 and projected expenditures of $93,466,302. The general fund balance shows $53,547,337 in projected revenue and $55,287,370 in projected expenditures.

Council will vote on the budget's readings in June for the budget to go into effect on July 1, meaning it will need to be balanced before then.

All of these numbers are subject to change, as they are part of a draft. A budget must be produced no less than 40 days before the start of the fiscal year, hence the draft is looked at in April. The draft did not include a proposed millage increase, and according to City of Sumter Assistant City Manager Howie Owens, a millage increase has not been in any discussions regarding the city's budget.

Development of 96-unit apartment complex approved following discussion of tree protection

A 96-unit apartment complex at 3075, 3095 and 3125 Carter Road was approved by Sumter Planning Commission at its regularly scheduled meeting on Wednesday, March 23. This was after lengthy discussions about the number of trees being removed by the developer. In total, 27 trees are planned to be removed, but part of the development will see 61 trees added to the area. Ultimately, the development was approved by council.

The proposed development is expected to have four three-story buildings with 24 one-bedroom units, 60 two-bedroom units and 12 three-bedroom units.

The commission also approved the rezoning of a property at 1071 Pinewood Road from Residential-15 to Planned Development. The property is planned to become a walkable community with upscale housing and sidewalks.

The property would also be home to a mini-warehouse development, which requires creating a special zoning ordinance specific to the tract of land.

The plan itself is only in its conceptual phase, so the commission was only voting on the rezoning.