Clarendon County Council opened its first regular meeting of 2026 Monday night with a moment of silence honoring the late Councilman William James “W.J.” Frierson Sr., marking a solemn beginning to the new year.
“I don’t think I ever remember a time where we have had an active, serving council member pass,” Council Chairman Jay Johnson said before asking council members and attendees to observe a moment of silence for Frierson, who died Dec. 26, 2025, and for Roxie Mitchum, an employee in the county auditor’s office who was recently laid to rest.
Following the Lord’s Prayer and Pledge of Allegiance, council unanimously approved a proclamation honoring Frierson’s three decades of service to Clarendon County. Frierson began serving on county council Jan. 1, 1995, and was remembered for his faith-based leadership, compassion, and dedication to public service.
The proclamation also designates Jan. 2, 2026, as “W.J. Frierson Sr. Day” in Clarendon County.
“He helped lead Clarendon County with faith, compassion and understanding, setting a lasting example of servant leadership for others to follow,” the proclamation states.
During public comment, CoRetta Dingle addressed council regarding efforts to rehabilitate and repurpose the former Jordan Elementary School into the Jordan Community Center. The school, built in 1950 as a South Carolina State Equalization School for Black students, was recently purchased by a nonprofit organization.
“The redevelopment project represents a unique opportunity to honor our past while investing in the future of the Jordan community,” Dingle said. She requested county partnership to help transform the site into a community center offering educational programs, health services, recreation, and meeting space.
Council later approved the fiscal year 2026–27 budget schedule for county operations and the school district. The schedule outlines distribution of budget guidelines to departments in February, budget workshops and hearings in April and May, and final budget approval in June.
Council members also approved Resolution 2026-01, authorizing a first amended and reinstated regional wastewater system participation agreement.
A request from the Clarendon County Chamber of Commerce for $142,500 from the county’s hospitality fund was approved to support tourism marketing initiatives, primarily related to major fishing tournaments scheduled for 2026.
County Administrator Walt Ackerman said the funds would help cover host fees for nationally televised tournaments, including Major League Fishing and the Bassmaster Elite Series.
“These are big-league tournaments with nationwide coverage,” Ackerman said. “They bring anglers, staff, spectators and media into Clarendon County, filling our hotels, restaurants and shops.”
Ackerman said the tournaments are projected to generate an estimated $841,000 in direct economic impact. Tourism officials noted similar events held in 2024 brought more than $1.1 million in spending into the county.
Council also approved the third and final reading of Ordinance 2025-15, amending a fee-in-lieu-of-tax agreement with Santee Electric Cooperative.
Following a public hearing, council advanced Ordinance 2025-16 to second reading, approving a zoning map amendment changing a parcel along Alex Harvin Highway from Agriculture II to General Commercial. Planning Director Tabitha Hanna said the request is consistent with the county’s comprehensive plan and surrounding land uses.
Council approved the first reading of Ordinance 2026-01, rezoning approximately two acres near Turbeville from agricultural to residential conservation to allow low-density residential development.
Finance Director Tammy Rodvansky presented the monthly financial report, noting general fund revenues at approximately 41 percent of budget without grant revenue, and expenditures at 47 percent.
“If we take out the grant expenses, we are still within our budgeted amount for this point in the year,” Rodvansky said.
Rodvansky also reported the county’s C-Program fund had an uncommitted balance of just under $4 million, though she noted road-related expenditures are expected to increase as warmer weather allows projects to move forward.
In his administrative report, Ackerman highlighted recent recognition of Captain Marc Brewer of Clarendon County Fire and Rescue for his leadership in the county’s Community Paramedic Program.
“That program helps citizens better assess their health needs while also helping us stretch our emergency response resources,” Ackerman said.
Ackerman also noted Clarendon County’s economic development efforts were recently featured in Expansion Solutions Magazine in an article titled “Clarendon County: The Secret’s Out,” providing national exposure for the county.
He provided updates on multiple capital projects, including construction of the new EOC/Dispatch Communications Center, water infrastructure improvements, fleet maintenance and animal control facilities, and Fire Station No. 10, which he said is nearing completion pending final inspections.
In closing remarks, Johnson announced state law requires a special election to fill Frierson’s vacant council seat. Candidate filing opens Jan. 16, with a primary election scheduled for March and the general election expected in May.
Council adjourned following unanimous approval. The next regularly held meeting of Clarendon County Council is scheduled for Feb. 10.
