Councilwoman seeks explanation and apology after mayor's letters questioned fire department sponsorships; raises alleged directive blocking staff responses

Councilwoman Donna Rainey used her council report to press two governance issues: perceived inconsistent treatment of political activity related to a fire-department fundraiser and an alleged directive that department heads should not respond to her inquiries.

Rainey said the Pickens County Fire Chiefs Association golf tournament solicited sponsorships to fund fire prevention initiatives and Child Safety House. She told council that the South Carolina Ethics Commission confirmed "there is nothing prohibiting a candidate or a public official from sponsoring a hole" and that use of campaign funds for such sponsorships is permissible if properly disclosed. Rainey said she was troubled that the mayor and some council members had sent letters to the state party chair and executive committee about the event while the city appears to be nonpartisan; one such letter, she said, used the official title "Mayor, City of Easley." She asked for a public apology to the fire department, saying the department's fund-raising efforts are "ethical and community focused."

Rainey also raised a governance concern: she said she emailed the mayor on July 25 and that department heads and other senior staff were copied, but she had not received a response. She said she has reason to believe a directive was issued telling some or all department heads not to respond to her inquiries. Rainey cited city ordinance Title 3, Chapter 3103(c)(2) and said the ordinance does not permit blocking council members' communications with department heads for purposes of inquiry. She requested: a written explanation of any such directive and its legal basis; a formal opinion from the city attorney on conformity with the cited ordinance; and clear written instruction to department heads to respond to council inquiries as allowed under the ordinance.

Mayor Talbert denied involvement with the golf tournament and invited any council member to contact him directly with questions; the mayor provided an official email address on the record. Another speaker identified himself as the person who raised concerns about the fire department activity at a prior meeting and said he believed city staff should not solicit funds from candidates.

Ending: Rainey said she was hopeful the matter could be resolved quickly and constructively; she presented copies of the letters she referenced and asked for formal responses and city-attorney guidance. No formal disciplinary or corrective action was recorded at the meeting.