SUMTER COUNTY COUNCIL: Remaining county departments to relocate from admin building during construction

Considering ongoing construction to renovate the Sumter County government administration building, the departments remaining in the building will be relocated to the Sumter County Courthouse in September.

Sumter County Administrator Gary Mixon said during a council meeting at the end of May the move will last through January or February of next year. He said he had hoped the remaining staff could stay.

Offices for the assessor, auditor and treasurer have already moved to North Magnolia Street, where The Sumter Item used to be. Now, when summer ends, the human resources, finance, purchasing, clerk to the council and administration departments will move to the third floor of the courthouse.

Mixon said the small courtroom on the third floor is being renovated and will be used to temporarily hold council meetings until work on the administration building and council chambers is completed.

New subdivision, old auto repair shop 1 step away from approval

Second readings and public hearings were held for two rezoning requests during the meeting, both of which passed unanimously.

- Camille and John Jolly want to rezone nearly 5 acres at 526 Godwin St. from Residential-15 to Agricultural Conservation to become in compliance with the county ordinance that prohibits commercial uses. The property owners have been operating an auto repair shop without a proper business license.

- Bradford Meadows Development Co. LLC requested to rezone a nearly 46-acre portion of a 148-acre parcel from AC to R-15 at 1449 Camden Highway. The land is currently undeveloped, and the developer wants to build a 46-lot single-family residential subdivision. Developer Doc Dunlap said during the public hearing that the houses will start in the $200,000 range and will be "nice houses." He has had builders voice their desire for larger lots and larger homes and that he has properties and his office nearby, meaning he wouldn't do anything to hurt his own businesses or neighbors.

Council chairman wins inaugural chamber award

Also during the meeting, Greater Sumter Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Chris Hardy formally presented Sumter County Council Chairman Jim McCain with the Duke Energy Citizenship and Service Award.

The inaugural award will annually honor someone for his or her outstanding volunteer service and civic achievements and was first announced during the Chamber's Small Business Celebration.