Serving Barnwell County and it's neighbors since 1852
April N. Hutto (right) was sworn in as the Town of Hilda's first female mayor at the town council's Nov. 14 meeting. Allison Still Beasley (second from left) and C. Guy Neal (third from left) were also sworn in after being re-elected as council members. Also pictured is council member Timothy Black. Contributed Photo
The Town of Hilda’s first female mayor has been sworn into office.
April N. Hutto was elected mayor on Nov. 7 after being the only candidate to file for the seat vacated by John Moody, who did not seek re-election. Hutto is the first woman in the town's history to be elected as a town councilmember, serving 2001-2005, and most recently from 2021-2023. She is now the first woman to hold the office of mayor since the first mayor was elected in 1910 when the town was incorporated.
“While I have a neat little place in the town's history, I serve with a great team and we are all equals in my book,” said Hutto, who graduated from the Municipal Association of SC's Institute of Government in February.
In November 2021, Hilda voters elected new leadership after the previous mayor and council resigned for various reasons. Hutto was one of the four new councilmembers elected.
Since that time, Hutto and other town leaders have worked to improve the town, including overhauling the business administration of the town, implementing an improved water billing system, digitizing records, replacing all water meters with electronic meters, and making numerous repairs, upgrades, and beautification projects.
The leadership has also focused on community involvement and engagement by implementing an annual Easter event, Christmas tree lighting, holiday home decorating contest, and BINGO night, while continuing to host a Christmas parade and supper and helping to sponsor the Halloween trunk-or-treat that drew over 900 children this year. A celebration of the 125th year of the town's establishment was held in 2022 and a celebration of the town's volunteer fire department's 50th anniversary was held in 2023. A newly revitalized annual festival, now known as Hilda's Hometown Festival, was created in 2023 after a decade of dormancy.
“Community involvement has been key with the implementation of becoming active in Keep Barnwell County Beautiful and hosting quarterly litter pickups, instituting a revived Neighborhood Crimewatch Program, and involvement from citizens with special event planning and execution. The town has also implemented a monthly newsletter for residents and a Facebook page, in order to keep residents informed, and for the council to remain transparent and accountable,” said Hutto.
Mayor Hutto said the past two-plus years have been a “labor of love to get Hilda where it needed to be. It is truly a team effort and an honor to serve with fellow members of council, our dedicated employees, our volunteer firefighters, our community of faith, our encouraging citizens, and amazing supporters. Hilda is a small town with a big heart and a rich history. Little is much when God is in it, and I give Him all the praise and glory. We are truly blessed.”
Following the municipal election on Nov. 7, returning council members Allison Still Beasley and C. Guy Neal were sworn in alongside new Mayor Hutto at the town's regular council meeting on Nov. 14. Rounding out the council is Timothy Black.
“The team is excited to continue to serve the Town of Hilda,” said Hutto.
A special election for the unexpired council seat previously held by Hutto will be held Feb. 13. There will be no names on the ballot due to no one filing to be a candidate. However, voters can write in a name.
