[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6089352,"mediaKeyId","2874696-88fb2cf7fa7c03c8b3e291db6f30c6b7","parentId",2874696,"title","Lake City council approves forensic accounting review after debate over cost and timeline","audioSeconds",824,"startMs",2643000,"endMs",3467000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2874696-88fb2cf7fa7c03c8b3e291db6f30c6b7&start=2643&end=3467","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2874696-88fb2cf7fa7c03c8b3e291db6f30c6b7/thumbnail_2643000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6089352/Lake-City/Florence-County/South-Carolina/Lake-City-council-approves-forensic-accounting-review-after-debate-over-cost-and-timeline","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6089352-48b79cee7accfa7ba6be8b95548ce21b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771202330&Signature=mlWcOzyV8FYxp9L5cpeAhYomjcTuYz-tYuQzmgekbJS~dwhUWg7sVGwiUEfLn4P4rMv8xZQxabPJ-2Rp1wwokyVALM4L1K3jiGwG37dFr9dYnNX8eOtV8hLrMA81uVmV1XxUiGRZKSQybZ4C7SIFHdqfVQ1DsDIHunpRxQ5SbBRZbMQp5HJs4Gm7eWUlANWrdzj9bFER50bsnFoujY9gZd1GORkqyD73Yq61eW119JCtRps~RKUYR4hCddkV5hD8ai6fczNqbDJjUHkn9RACwV9zwuNtRtt~vWCVo0ojo5uWkwRD21pYi4zMhYnGdskHpGAkqsBJ5u9wI-AlNVATEw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Lake City SC","date","2025-02-11T00:00:00Z","article","The Lake City City Council on Feb. 11 voted to approve Resolution 2025.006 directing the chief financial officer to engage a qualified forensic accounting firm to conduct a comprehensive examination of specified financial records and operations and to report findings to council.

Council members discussed the balance between transparency and cost before the vote. Mayor Yumeka Robinson said she supports transparency but cautioned the review could put “a financial strain” on the city and that firms contacted had limited capacity during tax season. She said it could take months before a firm could begin and possibly nine months to a year or more for completion.

Brandon Carter, identified in the meeting as the city’s finance director, briefed council on the scope and practicalities. Carter said a forensic examination would be exhaustive and time-consuming because auditors would review transactions back to their origin across many accounts (he referenced reviewing up to 17 bank accounts and personal-transaction follow-ups). He emphasized that forensic auditors are not law enforcement: their role is to examine records and report findings to the council, after which council would decide whether to refer matters to other authorities. Carter also warned that the review could be expensive and could affect operating budgets and recruitment for future city positions.

Several council members said they wanted advice from the city attorney before proceeding; the attorney indicated they could provide legal advice but noted discussion on executive-session matters would be handled in executive session. City staff said some firms had been contacted and that scheduling would likely occur months out.

The record shows a motion and second for final reading and a call for a show-of-hands vote; the meeting proceeded to later agenda items, indicating the resolution passed on final reading during the Feb. 11 meeting. The meeting transcript does not record a roll-call tally or named vote record.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Council Meeting 02/11/25","oneSentenceSummary","The Lake City City Council on Feb. 11 approved Resolution 2025.006 to hire a forensic accounting firm to examine city financial records and operations following debate over cost, timing and potential impacts.","taxTitle","Lake City, Florence County, South Carolina","taxId",71094,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6089357,"Residents say new Highway 52 drainage work creates safety, maintenance concerns; city says state-led project",869,1285000,2154000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2874696-88fb2cf7fa7c03c8b3e291db6f30c6b7&start=1285&end=2154","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2874696-88fb2cf7fa7c03c8b3e291db6f30c6b7/thumbnail_1285000.jpg","/articles/6089357/Lake-City/Florence-County/South-Carolina/Residents-say-new-Highway-52-drainage-work-creates-safety-maintenance-concerns-city-says-state-led-project","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6089357-2b59d431a4f495c1c72c301fa11d2a45/orig.mp4?Expires=1771202330&Signature=oJ8uhl2vq1Kg-kGV3Lhb3ld8Y-lxCuhbPBpZjfWDIzbMthmwkQY3Y4q7c7jKEO4L-MDV71qHIDPS5XjJD4UGhFt7RItAzjFk8OY1y1RMlp~knJJFs6On-23RjZe~g0D4eIHxO7yNp2BvHzZPnBBGoWL2Vngmo3~V1o1gpye-lkxRY2~6Xieb2KywtVltp0XYkbtdJ5iy~v02pJf47RPOgHEQke7QLS0A3Mc0FoWAISm4a9OOXxZnow8-UPq5h2YEX-2ct07s3d98ahZiIttrT0Agn6-H2WkzQCEmOPgACn4kaGSE9TbB4uHcliH0vXohnUquZ84gLS9R19K6m~s-og__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Residents who live along Florida Avenue told the Lake City City Council on Feb. 11 that the state-led Highway 52 infrastructure drainage work has created large, V-shaped ditches that they say are dangerous and an eyesore.

At the meeting, a representative of the Florida Avenue residents’ committee and a speaker identified as Tracy said the newly excavated ditches behind homes are “deeper and wider” than expected and that one backyard now resembles a “drop off cliff,” posing a hazard to children and pets. The speakers asked the council to pursue piping the ditches and better landscaping or to require construction fencing around excavated areas.

The council asked staff to explain the project. Ricky Sims, who the mayor invited to speak about the Highway 52 work, said the project is a state effort overseen by the South Carolina Office of Resilience and is about 70% complete. Sims said the city has contributed no funding to the project: “This is all by SCOR — South Carolina Office of Resilience — who is doing this project.” He added that piping sections is significantly more costly and that the current contract and design called for V‑shaped ditches that allow for future cutting and cleaning.

Sims described the scope and routing of the work: the project began near Matthews Road and Mercy Street with a large 72‑inch pipe at one outfall, continued toward West Main and Franklin Street, and includes piped sections running to Marsh Street near the former mobile home park property now owned by the housing authority. He said some portions already were piped, other portions remain open ditch, and crews are cleaning open channels behind certain properties and near Robert Deere School. Sims also said the contractor has indicated they will replace fences removed during work.

City staff and council said they have been holding weekly coordination meetings with the contractor and the state via Zoom and will press the state team on safety measures, including temporary construction fencing. Sims said temporary orange mesh construction fencing could be added through a change order if additional funding is secured: “If they decide to fund it…they could actually temporarily put a construction fence up.” He also noted that tree and shrub removal was not currently in the contractor’s scope of work but staff would ask whether that could be accommodated.

Council members emphasized they want residents kept informed about progress and safety steps. The mayor asked staff to continue to press the state for protective measures and to provide updates to council on completion percentages and any change orders.

Residents asked that any long-term solution include piping and landscaping to prevent rodent and snake habitat in the excavated ditches and to reduce the visual blight in yards.

The council did not take a formal vote on the drainage topic; staff described it as an ongoing coordination effort between the city and the state project team.","Residents near Florida Avenue told the Lake City Council on Feb. 11 that newly dug, deep ditches from the Highway 52 infrastructure project pose hazards to children and homes. City staff said the project is overseen and funded by the South Carolina Office of Resilience and that adding pipe would require additional funding or change orders.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6089340,"Votes at a glance: Lake City council actions on Feb. 11, 2025",360,2288000,2648000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2874696-88fb2cf7fa7c03c8b3e291db6f30c6b7&start=2288&end=2648","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2874696-88fb2cf7fa7c03c8b3e291db6f30c6b7/thumbnail_2288000.jpg","/articles/6089340/Lake-City/Florence-County/South-Carolina/Votes-at-a-glance-Lake-City-council-actions-on-Feb-11-2025","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6089340-5db565931683935f1a0a9909df5f46ce/orig.mp4?Expires=1771202330&Signature=nQus9xpQ2dHxT4RjRtYf9RqRJZq7PwN8QYVxKpQa3AMq2OcVHxIN0E1thgMorCHqaHnD8ND1VHtY1sErRqxCxU39ODuhO-KkCR9zAkSsh8NLFGtD1gsnmqBYVkUWUS9X9gLpXgdc9yjou8pglYfuXD8hdejs9-0LitpZPyjbAcgUpowE2x~sjUDtkDy1X8vDM0P7KV~qKCqa1~EERt90Wxwexhog5Qm7JZDd5QEdq1pAZ0wQynAgw9RwgqZWbcH2cHmqv8uYCw3nOR8nz3FYMT9gz8YoJiZPQuxa4tIwGQu9ekrEv9TQoJzrI-42k0YTgcCAi5r~i3d8NUPLaCokvw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Lake City City Council took several formal actions on Feb. 11, 2025. Below are the items recorded in the meeting transcript and their immediate outcomes. The transcript records motions, seconds and show-of-hands votes but does not provide roll-call tallies.

Votes at a glance

- Resolution 2025.003 (Board of Zoning Appeals reappointment): Motion to reappoint Henry Lowry (term through 3/30/2029 as requested in a letter). Council discussed whether automatic reappointment denied opportunities for other community applicants and agreed to consider a process that would advertise openings in the future. Vote recorded by show of hands (motion carried).

- Resolution 2025.005 (Spartan Fire and Emergency Apparatus quotes): Approval to accept quotes from Spartan Fire and Emergency Apparatus for fire truck repair and related matters. Motion moved and seconded; no discussion recorded; vote by show of hands (motion carried).

- Resolution 2025.006 (Forensic accounting examination): Approval to engage a qualified forensic accounting firm to examine specified financial records and operations, with full access to necessary documents and personnel. Motion moved and seconded; council debated cost, duration and scope. Staff reported preliminary outreach to firms and cautioned the review could be lengthy and costly. Vote recorded by show of hands (motion carried).

- Resolution 2025.007 (Interim city administrator solicitation): Council directed the mayor and the chief financial officer to solicit proposals from qualified candidates recommended by the Municipal Association of South Carolina for interim administrative services. Some council members objected to naming the CFO as a person to solicit proposals; the mayor said she will post the job and will apply. Vote recorded by show of hands (motion carried).

Other routine approvals

- Adoption of the Feb. 11 meeting agenda and approval of minutes from Jan. 9 and Jan. 14, 2025 were moved, seconded and approved by show of hands.

- Monthly bills and vendor payments (items 1–6) were approved by motion and show-of-hands vote. The agenda included the South Carolina Municipal Insurance and Risk Financing Fund annual premium among bills to be approved.

Notes on the record

The transcript records motions, seconds and that votes were taken by show of hands; it does not record a roll-call tally or list who voted for or against each motion. Where the transcript provided additional discussion about a resolution, that discussion is summarized above. If exact vote tallies or recorded individual votes are required, consult the city clerk’s official minutes for Feb. 11, 2025.","Summary of recorded formal actions and final readings at the Lake City City Council meeting on Feb. 11, 2025, including reappointment to the Board of Zoning Appeals, procurement for fire truck repairs, a forensic accounting review, and authorization to solicit interim city administrator proposals.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6089343,"Lake City presentations highlight youth scholarship and a request to rename the administration building during Black History Month",469,451000,920000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2874696-88fb2cf7fa7c03c8b3e291db6f30c6b7&start=451&end=920","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2874696-88fb2cf7fa7c03c8b3e291db6f30c6b7/thumbnail_451000.jpg","/articles/6089343/Lake-City/Florence-County/South-Carolina/Lake-City-presentations-highlight-youth-scholarship-and-a-request-to-rename-the-administration-building-during-Black-History-Month","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6089343-e4fbab2bf1641f3c784f816accfccbef/orig.mp4?Expires=1771202330&Signature=HucvdPgwyBBYsb7AJdEQR5A0jYwsNHLhKcqWJrVFrbBmi-gHQP8cRwRDDQpUA7k2~KkwFLBzcW5m8tSAUn6VmBraw78gUkHRX0vtbyU0psdQ2myEMb79eI8m5R7yPgqYO0XxpaDgoEHdyJxzsPZCgeRPukulpMy8MdlV6dckAKwFOVmvkHoEvtm8K3IAfb6xT0hA8cJkSLkoRHhEnzXgYxJk4~-vGAvQC-19bkQhQIObkqJ4QQ36iKQCQRbx7fjuSO6NuzzHHvbCElMhK55JTtRMHkNm-0U1ma4Mj2FEOfcR7yR0z0jxmwyNLRKgGRi3YACk9FSlj6dzwsaSwE2jow__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Lake City City Council on Feb. 11 heard a student presentation and a request tied to Black History Month.

A recorded presentation from Aiden Bright introduced the Leading With Purpose scholarship, organized to recognize students who demonstrate leadership and service. In the video Bright said the inaugural year will award two recipients — one from Lake City High School and one from J. Paul Truluck Creative Arts and Science Magnet School — selected for academic achievement, leadership roles and community commitment. Bright identified himself as the CEO and founder of the scholarship and invited local businesses, churches and individuals to support the fund through donations or mentorship.

Later in the meeting Gloria Tisdale, speaking on behalf of Carver High School alumni, asked council to formally consider renaming the City Administration Building in honor of the city’s first elected African American mayor (she referenced the late Mayor Wilfred Barr). Tisdale described the request as part of Black History Month recognition and asked council to “seriously consider this request” from alumni and other citizens.

During public comment Paul Morris reminded the council that the community holds a memorial for Fraser (Frasier) Baker, who he said was the town’s first Black postmaster and was lynched in 1865; Morris said the community will memorialize Baker on a date in late February and invited the mayor and council to attend.

Council members thanked presenters and attendees, congratulated Aiden Bright on the scholarship initiative and recognized the contributions of Carver alumni. Council did not take a formal vote on the building‑naming request at the Feb. 11 meeting.","At the Feb. 11 meeting the council heard a video presentation about the \"Leading With Purpose\" scholarship from Aiden Bright, and Gloria Tisdale, representing Carver High alumni, asked the council to name the City Administration Building for the city's first elected African American mayor. A community memorial for Fraser Baker was also announced.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6089348,"Lake City council directs mayor to solicit interim city administrator proposals; mayor says she will apply",155,3681000,3836000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2874696-88fb2cf7fa7c03c8b3e291db6f30c6b7&start=3681&end=3836","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2874696-88fb2cf7fa7c03c8b3e291db6f30c6b7/thumbnail_3681000.jpg","/articles/6089348/Lake-City/Florence-County/South-Carolina/Lake-City-council-directs-mayor-to-solicit-interim-city-administrator-proposals-mayor-says-she-will-apply","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6089348-40f6d002d203e32ca972c3d018671cac/orig.mp4?Expires=1771202330&Signature=BP0oQgNf3TWL2hs2gBKEW9-glJ0-ovyGoAIQ8YaFWDXgZImP9~AQX01xIWsUQQhZ~RSvW-Y0bvhWE1tcHj06ODnDXOXGXN8qPDACqQi~eWhebGShMkq8977WaL86qj87IUP1xahC~wgrqr62wuamLl9VLeRhg5N~uZyG8rhNSxRKlK8VpCNOo-~ij5Ll9kW9FVOawRyG1wK2fwY7HsWQ9i8gUtykUcRfBRfZrexEyWJBixsQ-a65hTE7nJbzKtawIxToPX20cb-33HdV3m0hQDdJSiikylPUrIiPDs5OrMf7gde0enHNlWjLcHr06Q8vbhAhKhHJSV3cYV3r8F9GUg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","On Feb. 11 the Lake City City Council approved Resolution 2025.007 directing the mayor and the chief financial officer to solicit proposals from qualified candidates, as recommended by the Municipal Association of South Carolina, to provide interim city administrator services.

Council discussion focused on whether the chief financial officer, Brandon Carter, should be named specifically in the resolution as a person to solicit proposals. One council member said naming Carter could place him in a “vulnerable position” and argued that council should appoint an interim administrator rather than direct staff. The mayor said she would post the job nationally and that she intends to apply for the interim administrator role: “I will be applying for the position,” she said at the meeting.

Staff reported they already had spoken with several recommended candidates and scheduled meetings, and that the county had offered a candidate for free of charge referral; the mayor and staff said they are conducting due diligence and working with the Municipal Association on recommendations.

The resolution passed on final reading; the transcript records a motion and second and a show-of-hands vote but does not record a roll-call tally or named vote record.","The council approved Resolution 2025.007 on Feb. 11 directing the mayor and chief financial officer to solicit proposals for an interim city administrator. Some council members questioned including the finance director in the solicitation; Mayor Yumeka Robinson said she will post the job and intends to apply for the position.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Lake City council approves forensic accounting review after debate over cost and timeline

Residents say new Highway 52 drainage work creates safety, maintenance concerns; city says state-led project

Votes at a glance: Lake City council actions on Feb. 11, 2025

Lake City presentations highlight youth scholarship and a request to rename the administration building during Black History Month

Lake City council directs mayor to solicit interim city administrator proposals; mayor says she will apply