County works to remedy deficits

By JOE PERRY
Item Staff Writer
jperry@theitem.com

Charging the City of Sumter, Pinewood and Mayesville $2.50 for the billing and collection of real property and automobile tax notices is one of the ideas under consideration by Sumter County to overcome a budget deficit of more than $3.9 million.

Increasing millage to the cap is also an idea on the table, which would bring in just under $1 million.

During a budget workshop and Fiscal, Tax and Property Committee meeting preceding Tuesday night's regular County Council meeting, council members and County Administrator Bill Noonan discussed several ways to lower expenditures and increase revenues. Among the larger reductions in expenditures are: postponing post-employment benefits (mostly healthcare related) to save $500,000; redistribution of healthcare costs to shed $203,750 from the budget and personnel savings — discussed in executive session, but listed as $866,064 in savings — would help bring the budget into balance.

What could be known as a “technology fee” would see a $2.50 charge for tax notices on real property and autos in city limits as well as Pinewood and Mayesville, which costs the county $431,695, according to figures passed out to council members. During the budget workshop, Council Chairwoman Vivian Fleming-McGhaney said she was concerned the city would find out about the idea in the newspaper, while maintaining the budget needs to be balanced.

“Evidently, they’re not hurting that bad,” said Councilman Artie Baker. “Did they have to furlough anybody?”

Councilman Eugene Baten worried the city would be “blind sided” by what is only a consideration at this point.

“We’ve prepared a list of considerations; if they get thrown out the window, that’s OK,” Noonan replied. “Why have the meeting if it’s not going to be a consideration?”

Cutting funding to the Greenhouse Runaway Shelter is also on the table, as council members raised the issue of out-of-county youth staying in the shelter. Baten said if council has to make tough decisions, then it should be prepared to do so, while Councilwoman Naomi Sanders said she was worried about the shelter having consistent funding.

Councilman Charles Edens said the $50,000 spent on a lobbyist in Columbia is “a waste of money.”

“We’ve had major issues over there (at the Statehouse) and we’re losing every one ‘em,” he said, later noting there have been no tangible results.

Sumter County Tax Assessor Lath Harris spoke briefly during council’s Fiscal, Tax and Property meeting, telling them he’s been asked by home builders to reconsider when the county adds a home to the tax rolls, which, for the last 20 years, has been when the heat pump and air conditioner are installed. When hardwood floors are installed, the home’s temperature has to be controlled, but that house might not be occupied, he said.

Edens said those homes still get fire service and protection from law enforcement. Fleming-McGhaney said “if it’s not broke, don’t fix it,” and Baker added that revisiting the issue would “open a can of worms.”

An ordinance that passed during council’s meeting to define and prohibit illicit discharges and connections to storm water systems was discussed, because the county may have to create a new department, as it was originally under the auspice state and federal agencies. Several council members deemed it an unfunded mandate, and Noonan said the county would work toward its implementation “piecemeal” until the question of how to fund it becomes more clear.

During regular council meeting, Noonan said the technology fee would fund software and hardware updates as needed, and Fleming-McGhaney characterized the proposals as “very earnest” in trying to balance the budget, stressing that they’re just proposals.

Council also approved third reading of a request to amend zoning and development standards pertaining to the size, height, location, number and setbacks for accessory structures.