The Clarendon County Council met Monday, April 14, for its regular session, addressing a packed agenda that included final votes on several ordinances, the first reading of the FY2025–2026 budget, and a series of presentations from county officials regarding financial needs and ongoing capital projects.
Chairman Jay Johnson opened the meeting by acknowledging the evening’s technical difficulties, noting the absence of Wi-Fi and the need to proceed with voice votes rather than the digital system typically in place.
ORDINANCES APPROVED ACROSS HOUSING, DEVELOPMENT, AND ENFORCEMENT
Council unanimously approved the second reading of several ordinances, including a temporary moratorium on tiny home subdivision applications. Ordinance 2025-01 establishes a three-month pause on accepting these applications, allowing time to evaluate zoning and infrastructure impacts.
Council also approved Ordinance 2025-02, authorizing a development agreement with Deer Creek at Wyboo, and Ordinance 2025-03, which permits the transfer of real property owned by the county, identified as tax map parcel 147-00-03-020-00.
Lynden Anthony, County Administrator, presented Ordinance 2025-04, an economic development incentive agreement referred to as “Project Buon Giorno.” The ordinance allows for a fee-in-lieu of ad valorem taxes and a special source revenue credit for a prospective industry. “We operate with a degree of confidentiality, per state and development partner requirements,” said Anthony, noting the project name was randomly assigned.
Animal control and noise regulation also received attention with the approval of Ordinances 2025-05 and 2025-06. Sheriff Tim Baxley addressed the council regarding updates to the county’s noise ordinance, highlighting that decibel meters have been removed from enforcement standards. “Everyone can buy a decibel meter, but they’re not calibrated or regulated,” he said. “Instead, we’re relying on officer discretion.”
Exemptions to the ordinance now include noises from farming equipment, hunting, public performances, and emergency situations. Council formally amended the ordinance to include these changes before passing it on second reading.
FY2025–2026 BUDGET INTRODUCED WITH DEPARTMENT PRESENTATIONS
CFO Tammy Rodvansky delivered the first reading of the proposed FY2025–2026 budget, which includes a recommended 2% millage decrease for the general fund and the Clarendon County Library. The general fund currently reflects a projected surplus of $145,515, though some department requests had not yet been submitted at the time of the reading.
“This is a working document,” Rodvansky said. “We still have two more readings to go through, and we do hope to have everything balanced by the third reading in June.”
The proposed budget accounts for a 1.6% across-the-board salary adjustment and increased employer contributions for retirement and health insurance as required by the state. It also includes two carryover capital expenditures: a $400,000 lease for a new ambulance and a $700,000 fire engine, both delayed due to supply chain issues.
Following the general overview, several elected officials took the floor to present their office’s budget requests.
AUDITOR REQUESTS TITLE CHANGE, HIGHLIGHTS WORKLOAD
Clarendon County Auditor Patricia Pringle requested a title change for her Deputy Auditor position to Senior Deputy Auditor, with a corresponding salary increase. “The responsibilities exceed what an ordinary clerk or administrative assistant does,” Pringle told council, noting that while her overall budget request remained the same, recognition of the position’s responsibilities was overdue.
She also outlined the extensive scope of the auditor’s office, which handles tax calculations and exemptions for real estate, personal property, and vehicles, assists with state veteran and nonprofit exemptions, and collaborates with numerous agencies to maintain tax compliance and accuracy.
CLERK OF COURT SEEKS JURY PAY INCREASE
Shanita Brangman, Clerk of Court, requested an increase in jury pay for Clarendon County residents, raising it from the current $15 daily flat rate to $20. “Jury pay hasn’t changed since 2010, and for some residents traveling up to 48 miles round trip, we’re leaving them in a deficit,” she said.
Brangman noted that neighboring counties such as Williamsburg and Lee are already moving to increase their rates, and Clarendon should remain competitive while respecting jurors’ time and effort.
CORONER OUTLINES STAFFING, SALARY, AND EQUIPMENT NEEDS
Coroner Jacqueline Blackwell gave a comprehensive presentation, requesting funding for two new positions—a full-time deputy coroner and an administrative assistant/receptionist—as well as a replacement vehicle for her department. She emphasized that the lack of administrative staff impedes both daily operations and the office’s ability to host interns or update vital records.
“There are times when both the coroner and the deputy coroners are out of the office on calls, and no one is available to answer phones or assist the public,” she said.
Blackwell also requested a raise for herself. Citing her experience, qualifications, and statewide salary comparisons, she explained, “According to salary.com, the average coroner salary in South Carolina is over $100,000. My current salary is just over $57,000. I’m not asking for that much, but I believe I’ve proven myself.”
She also reminded council that although the state provides a $15,000 stipend to elected coroners, that amount is taxed and not part of the county-set base salary. In addition, Blackwell shared that her office is sponsoring a new initiative, Clarendon Cares, on June 21—a candlelight memorial for every person who came through the coroner’s office in 2024.
PUBLIC DEFENDER AND SOLICITOR REQUEST CONTINUED SUPPORT
Third Circuit Public Defender Edgar Donnald, Jr. stated his office’s budget is largely flat aside from mandated salary adjustments. The majority of their funding goes toward staffing.
Third Circuit Solicitor Chip Finney asked for funding to support two additional paralegals, noting the continued burden of growing caseloads. “Every time we move 50 cases, 50 more take their place,” Finney said. “We are not a county agency, but we represent your people. You help us, and we stretch that support with funding from the state and federal sources.”
FINANCIALS SHOW HEALTHY SURPLUSES ACROSS DEPARTMENTS
Rodvansky’s finance report reflected overall strong financial performance. The general fund had collected $23.7 million year-to-date against a $29.6 million annual budget, with 80% or more of revenues already collected in key areas such as ad valorem taxes and franchise fees.
The Clarendon County Fire Rescue department reported a $1.56 million surplus, and the Water and Sewer Department posted a net utility income of $66,329. The C-Program fund, used for paving and roadwork, had an uncommitted balance of just over $2 million, with nearly $6.2 million in ongoing paving project commitments.
ADMINISTRATOR DETAILS INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS
County Administrator Lynden Anthony provided updates on ongoing capital projects:
-The EOC/Communications Center is finalizing plans with construction expected to begin by fall.
-The Davis Station well project and 13 miles of water mains have been bid out, and the associated well house is still in the design phase.
-The Turbeville Fire Station is behind schedule due to utility delays but may receive a certificate of occupancy by May.
-Weldon Auditorium’s renovation bids are opening this week.
-The North Shore Summerton wastewater development and joint law enforcement training facility with the City of Manning are moving forward.
-In the Newman Branch area, an environmental engineering firm is coordinating restoration efforts—including beaver and alligator removal.
Anthony also noted that baseball and softball seasons are underway, and open basketball at the community center has been well received. He closed by recognizing National Telecommunications Week and thanking E-911 personnel for their service.
LOOKING AHEAD
Chairman Johnson did not give a formal report during this meeting, but reminded attendees of important upcoming dates:
-April 18: County offices will be closed for Good Friday.
-April 28 at 6 p.m.: A public budget workshop will be held to allow line-by-line review of the proposed FY2025–2026 budget.
-May 12: The next regular council meeting.
In closing, Johnson thanked county staff and residents for their participation during the budget season. “We’ll figure it all out. We’re going to work through it,” he said.
