A heated discussion was held prior to final reading of the county budget at the monthly Edgefield County Council meeting Tuesday, June 1, 2010.

The third reading for the county’s annual budget for 2010-2011 was heard, with Councilman Rodney Ashcraft requesting to amend the budget for discussion over public service vehicles. Sheriff Adell Dobey and Captain Chris Wash from the Edgefield County Sheriff’s Office presented the council with information on out-of-date and dangerous vehicles that were in need of replacement.

The ECSO currently has five vehicles in need of replacement, with a 2005, 2004, and 2003 Crown Victoria models that are over 130,000 miles or better. In order to replace the three vehicles, the sheriff’s office would need $67,500 for three new cars, along with a cage and deer guard to be replaced in the 2004 model. All three are pursuit vehicles.

The county recently had an armed robbery and chase on Sunday, May 30. Some words were heard from Councilman Dorn, who asked Captain Walsh where he expected this money to come from to replace the vehicles, with Councilman Ashcraft interrupting to say “that was his (Ashcraft’s) job to know where that money would come from”.

Councilman Dorn took offense to this comment, with Councilman Bright being forced to interrupt Councilman Dorn’s tirade on Councilman Ashcraft and bring the meeting back to order. Mr. Dorn did state however, that he had no problems with Sheriff Dobey. If the three pursuit vehicles are replaced, the older models will be auctioned off by the council and the monies placed in the general operating budget to be divided amongst county departments.

Councilman Ashcraft then requested information from Edgefield County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) on the conditions of the county’s ambulances; two are in severe need of replacement. One ambulance is currently a 1998 chassis remounted on a 1982 model. EMS Director Jewel Plaxco stated $130,000 was needed to replace the 1998 model while using some of the truck’s current equipment, while $200,000 was needed for an entirely new truck. EMS has recently applied for grants for new ambulances and is waiting for results.

Councilman Ashcraft made a motion to amend the budget for a new ambulance; the motion died for lack of a second. However, council voted to suspend the third reading of the budget and hold another workshop on Friday, June 4th at 11 am. The budget must be completed by July 1, 2010. Council did vote to spend $23,685.00 for roofing on the Calliham building and agreed to pay for computer upgrades for the treasurer, auditor and tax collector. The computer upgrades will come from the contingency fund and will total to $5,560.16.

Councilwoman Genia Blackwell said she would like to state that whatever monies were left in the contingency fund, she was in full support of the monies going towards replacement of the public service vehicles.

In other business, the council recognized Jay McLaurin, formerly of the South Carolina Highway Patrol, as a new Magistrate here in Edgefield County. The council also recognized Faye Fulmer, for her dedication to Edgefield County by serving on Merriweather Fire Department for the past twenty five years, current Merriweather Fire Chief for the past six years, and for service as an Emergency Medical Technician for the past twenty one years.

Several readings were heard for numerous ordinances at the meeting; the third reading for Ordinance No. 09-10-621 was held, second readings for Ordinances No. 09-10-623 and No. 09-10-624 and the first reading for Ordinance No. 09-10-625. A public hearing was opened for discussion on Ordinance No. 09-10-624, with the county taking comments from the Planning Commission.

Council then approved the request from the Library Board to appoint Mrs. Patricia Bryan and Mrs. Bridget Clark to fill two vacancies on the board, along with appointments of Mrs. Ethel Butler and Mrs. Darlene Smith to serve another four year term. All four ladies agreed to serve.
Council also approved the grant application from US Fibers. The grant is for a $100,000 Economic Development and will be awarded to US Fibers if selected.

The meeting closed with a reminder for council members and the public to attend the alliance meeting on Monday, June 7th, 7:30 a.m. at Piedmont Technical College. Drew Cheatham, Clemson University Student, will be presenting his plan and recommendations for the renovation of the town of Edgefield.

Cheatham chose Edgefield as his graduate project for the university.