One month after approving a fiscal year 2026-27 budget that remained unchanged despite dissolving its police department, Summerton Town Council received updates July 14 on infrastructure projects, staffing challenges and the town's water and sewer system.
Council adopted its fiscal year 2026-27 budget June 9 following a public hearing during which Town Administrator Mary Adger said the town would keep the same budget as the previous fiscal year while awaiting the results of Clarendon County's property reassessment, even as the town prepared to eliminate its police department and contract with the Clarendon County Sheriff's Office. Adger said updated property values could affect town revenues and that officials expected to revisit the budget after reassessment figures become available, possibly as early as September.
During that same June meeting, council approved first reading of an ordinance dissolving the Summerton Police Department, and the town has since transitioned law enforcement services to the Clarendon County Sheriff's Office.
Tuesday's meeting largely focused on departmental updates.
Public Works Director Anthony Smith told council his department is currently operating with only three employees, requiring crews to prioritize grass cutting while delaying limb collection. Smith also reported the town's dump trailer was recently stolen, further impacting cleanup efforts.
Water and Sewer Operations Director Joey Oliver said the town recorded no permit violations for either its water or wastewater systems during June and has now achieved 45 consecutive months of permit compliance at both the Summerton and Goat Island wastewater treatment systems. He said the town has also reached 45 consecutive months of safe drinking water compliance across the Town of Summerton, North Shore and Gin Pond water systems.
Oliver said the Gin Pond elevated storage tank is now operational and supplying drinking water to Gin Pond Shores, Foxboro, Goat Island and the Haynes Worth service area. Chlorinated water is now available throughout the system, helping maintain consistent chlorine residuals and water pressure. He noted some customers may continue experiencing temporary cloudy water, taste or odor changes as air is flushed from newly connected lines and residents adjust to increased chlorination.
He also reported the sewer force main connecting the Goat Island wastewater treatment plant to the Summerton wastewater treatment plant has been completed and is awaiting startup. Oliver said the town's spray fields ultimately will need to accommodate increased wastewater flows after the Goat Island plant is taken offline.
Adger also reported annual inspections have been completed on the town's elevated water tanks, the fire hydrant project is complete, Southern Fiber has finished installing its lines, and work on the spray field is expected to be completed in August.
During public comments, North Shore Villas property manager Sheena Hartfield thanked town officials for completing the annual inspection of the North Shore water tank, saying residents had requested the inspection for years.
A frequent speaker before council regarding North Shore's water system and infrastructure, she said residents were encouraged to finally see work taking place at the site. Hartfield also offered the inspection crew use of the community clubhouse and restrooms while the work was underway.
"A presence is better than no presence at all," Hartfield said.
Adger said two additional members are still needed before the Board of Appeals can be seated.
Mayor Keith Bowman announced the town's annual back-to-school bash is scheduled for July 25.
Following the regular meeting, council entered executive session to discuss personnel and contractual matters. Council took no action upon returning to open session.
