Colleton Council narrows community center board structure, approves ordinance amendments

Colleton County Council on Dec. 3 held second reading and approved amendments to Ordinance 24-0-16, which establishes Chapter 2.77 (Community Center Board) in the Colleton County Code. Councilors amended the ordinance to set board membership at five residents, require appointees to be county residents and to stagger initial terms so that three members serve three years and two members serve two years.

Why it matters: the ordinance creates a formally recognized county board to oversee county-owned community centers, defining membership, basic terms and some powers. Councilors debated how much operational detail to put in the ordinance versus deferring detail to board bylaws and staff guidance.

Discussion and council direction County staff advised councilors that section 2.77.2.05 (membership) and other blanks in the draft ordinance required completion. In discussion, councilors said an odd number of members is preferable and recommended five members to allow a three-member majority. Councillors also discussed whether to require a geographic radius for board members and concluded a county-residency requirement would be sufficient to avoid overly restrictive mileage limitations in a geographically large county.

Councilors noted that the ordinance as drafted contains items typically addressed in bylaws — such as meeting frequency and officer roles — and flagged the need for board-member training because the board will exercise county authority related to use of county facilities. One councilor suggested the ordinance provides a high-level “sketch” of bylaws and that the appointed board should adopt its more detailed governing documents.

Public engagement and implementation Councilors discussed engaging existing community center boards and groups prior to third reading. Several councilors suggested meetings with current boards so those groups can provide input — including how to transition boards that currently have larger memberships down to the five-member structure without undue disruption. Councilors agreed outreach was appropriate; one councilor suggested delaying final adoption until February to allow discussion with existing boards.

Vote and follow-up A motion to amend the ordinance to include five members, county-residency requirement, three-year terms with initially staggered 3- and 2-year terms was moved and seconded. The motion carried unanimously.

Ending: Council approved the changes during second reading and directed staff to coordinate outreach with existing community-center groups prior to final adoption; the item will return for third reading and a public hearing.