Council committees approve up to $15,000 matching allocation for Medal of Honor recipient memorial

The committee approved a request to allocate up to $15,000 in matching funds to Dorchester County for a sculpture honoring Summerville native and Medal of Honor recipient Army Sgt. 1st Class Christopher Andrew Solis.

A presenter described a concept that would place the sculpture in the county park at 500 Main and said the artist’s base cost for the statue is about $98,000. "This statue is 98,000, and it'll be paid in 3 increments," the presenter said, and added that a display honoring Solis’s family and site enhancements could bring total project costs closer to $200,000. The presenter and council members said Sculpture in the South and other private fundraising partners will support the effort; the presenter said the county intends to approve $18,000 and that the town’s $15,000 would be a matching contribution.

Councilman Jackson made the motion to approve the matching allocation; the motion passed on voice vote. Committee members discussed possible funding sources — local accommodations (hospitality) tax, fund balance or a later budget amendment — and were told staff will include the out-of-budget request in a fiscal-year-end budget amendment if necessary. The town administrator and finance staff said the council typically consolidates such approvals into an end-of-year amendment requiring two readings and a public hearing.

Why it matters: The memorial honors a locally significant veteran and requires a mix of private fundraising and public matching funds. Committee members signaled support but raised questions about ensuring the project reaches full funding before construction.

Next steps: Staff will coordinate with county and private partners on fundraising and contract arrangements; council will finalize funding sources during upcoming budget work and possible budget amendment procedures.