Sumter County Council continues Tiger V project plan

Sumter County Council continued its plans for an economic development project currently known as Tiger V during Tuesday's meeting.

Three ordinances regarding Tiger V had second readings during the meeting, which usually undergo a public hearing.

Sumter County Attorney Johnathan Bryan said there was confusion with the notice deadline, which is 15 days before the public hearing, that didn't get published in time.

He said council will hold public hearings during the third reading on Oct. 27. One of the second readings was to authorize a sale of about 15 acres on Race Track Road at a price of $15,000 per acre. It also included the adjoining property of about 16.5 acres for the same price per acre, Bryan said.

The second reading of another ordinance was to authorize Tiger V's tax agreement between Sumter County for a payment of a fee in lieu of taxes. According to Bryan, this was proposed as a $15 million investment that will create 25 jobs in the county.

The second reading of another ordinance related to the tax agreement and sales authorization was to amend the master agreement with Lee County regarding the Sumter-Lee Industrial Park to enlarge the park to include property owned and operated by Tiger V.

Council unanimously approved all three second readings. They will undergo a public hearing during third reading at the next meeting.

According to County Administrator Gary Mixon, the next council meeting will be held at the Administration Building, 13 E. Canal St. Council has held meetings at Patriot Hall while the Administration Building underwent renovations.