Serving Barnwell County and it's neighbors since 1852
The once vacant District 1 seat on the City of Barnwell’s council has been officially filled. Ricky Dixon was sworn in at the April 15 special called meeting after winning the election with all 59 of the total votes.
Dixon took the oath of office surrounded by his wife and daughters.
The now complete council voted to elect a mayor pro tempore, or pro tem. The mayor pro tem presides over meetings and serves on the mayor’s behalf when they are unavailable. Councilmember Peggy Kinlaw previously served in this capacity for the two-year term, and was elected to serve again in a four-to-three vote.
Mayor Ron Still appointed members of council to the city’s eight departmental committees.
On the committee overseeing the fire department are council members Kinlaw and Louis Claytor. Appointed to the police committee are council members Dixon and Kinlaw.
On the finance and salary committee is councilmember Alicia Davis and Kinlaw, and on the sanitation and streets committee is council members Jana Myers and Davis. Water and sewer committee will have Myers and Claytor, and the building and planning committee will have councilmember Wanda Highsmith and Claytor.
Dixon and Highsmith will serve on the parks, recreation and tourism committee, and Myers and Dixon will serve on the newly created downtown development committee.
The council also approved the addition of two new members to the board of zoning appeals: local attorneys Linda Knapp and Cam Halford. Attorneys are desired for this non-paid position because they do not have to go through the same training as non-attorneys would have to in order to serve.
Councilmember Davis expressed concern about the lack of diversity on the board, and is planning to present additional names to council to fill any future vacancies.
The council also officially approved the projects that will be presented to the Capital Project Sales Tax (CPST) Commission:
The City of Barnwell is expected to receive a total of $4,018,294.07 if the CPST is passed on the November ballot.
Councilmember Myers recently met with state District 91 Representative Lonnie Hosey to discuss a proposal requesting state funding to revitalize downtown. She explained Hosey was “more than willing to help,” and detailed parts of the proposal.
Key components include upgrading sidewalks, crosswalks, lighting to improve walkability in downtown, improving facades, replacing damaged signage, public art installations, pocket parks, and building surface upgrades.
The council would request an estimate of $3 million upon submitting this proposal. This proposal will be required to go through the legislative process at the state level before any funding is granted.
