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Residents press Sumter County on private-road repairs, government transparency and proposed solar project
Summary
Three residents used public comment to urge council clarity on use of public money for private roads, improved online transparency and to voice opposition to a large proposed solar project in rural areas.
Residents raised several concerns during the meeting's public-comment period, asking the council to clarify policy on spending public money for private roads, improve online transparency and address opposition to a proposed solar project in rural areas.
Michael Newman asked whether county law allows public funds to fix private roads and questioned why three contractor estimates for private-road work ranged from about $187,000 to more than $200,000. He cited a 2023 "bill 3516" referenced in the record and asked whether work under that provision is limited to one-time improvements and whether future maintenance would fall to the county. Newman urged that any decision to use public funds be put to a public vote.
Sharon Sisson said she had difficulty finding council agendas, minutes and contact information on the county website and urged the county to restore live video and clearer online postings so constituents can follow meetings. "If we can't find that information...it gives the perception that county council is trying to hide things," she said, while adding she does not believe the council is intentionally obstructive.
Valerie Hatfield Raven spoke about a proposed large-scale solar project in the Board and Delzell areas (transcript spelling varied). She said she is not an adjacent landowner but has many family members in the area and reported strong community opposition at recent zoning and council meetings. Raven quoted a prior council exchange in which council members discussed whether affected residents were contacted directly, and she said the public record should reflect where citizens stand on the project.
Council responses during public comment included notes that staff would follow up on questions about private-road policy and that land-use staff would bring recommended revisions to county-wide landscaping and land-use standards to the council in a future report. No formal action on the topics was taken during the meeting.
