Council approved a new automated utility billing and meter reading project. Our current system was installed in 1997, making it 20 years old. With new technology available today; this new system will provide better efficiencies for staff and customers. The upgrades will begin in 2017 and could take up to 2 years to complete. After the system is fully implemented, a couple of advantages will be...
Council held two public hearings at last night’s meeting. The first was to receive feedback from our residents on the allowing off-premise real estate signs in all zoning areas, such pennants and fluttering devices. This new ordinance would make Sumter consistent with recent Supreme Court guidance. The second was to receive feedback from our residents on a change to a planned development located...
As a municipality experiences expansion and growth, urban decay often follows. Even a small city like ours suffers from blight. However, Sumter has made great strides to curb the threat of urban decay, and we are handling the issue in proactive ways. Dilapidated structures are not only an eyesore but they pose a real threat to our quality of life. Regardless of the reason for a structure becoming...
City Council recognized Dr. Tim Hardee and for his tremendous efforts at Central Carolina Technical College. Dr. Hardee has recently been named the next President and Executive Director of South Carolina Technical College system. Comprised of 16 colleges, including CCTC, located across the state and two internationally-renowned statewide programs: readySC and Apprenticeship Carolina; the SC...
As we prepare for the impending threat from Hurricane Matthew, Governor Haley has issued executive orders closing schools and government agencies around the state and is evacuating coastal areas inland. We cannot know whether or not we will be impacted by this storm; but we can assure you that the City of Sumter is ready. The safety and quality of life of our residents are our top priorities...
Council approved an ordinance to allow for embellishments on billboard signs, to allow them to be more versatile to owners and more 3-D in design. Downtown hotel land transfers were given final reading earlier this month and closing on the property is expected within the next week. Land disturbance permits have already been applied for, so they are ready to hit the ground running with the Hyatt...
Public Hearings were held to discuss billboard copy extensions and a rezoning request on Keels Road. City approved the 2016 State Grant Streets Resurfacing Projects, including work on: Kilgo Street Providence Street President Drive Middle Street Willis Street Peace Avenue Washington Street (Liberty to Dingle) Sumter Street Milton Road Jackson Street Anne Park Wactor Street Edgewater Drive Ellen...
The massive fire that blazed for two days at Sumter Casket Co. brought firefighters from all across South Carolina to Sumter. More than 20 public safety organizations from at least seven different counties across the state and more than 30 emergency vehicles were on Magnolia Street on July 18. Under the leadership of Chief Karl Ford, Sumter Fire Department faced many challenges and extreme fire...
Council approved an ordinance to rezone approximately 3.26 acres of property, across from the Clyburn Transportation Center, from general commercial and light industrial to the Central Business District. This piece of property is owned by the City and the planned location of our new Utility Finance offices. At Monday’s massive fire at Sumter Casket Company, located at 209 South Magnolia St, the...
In 2012, a customer repeatedly came into the City of Sumter Utility Finance department to pay his water bill late. He had special needs and lived by himself. Although he was continually late in paying his water bill, his difficult circumstances made timely payment a real challenge. As it turns out, he received a support check each month, but always after the water bill was due – and those dates...