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Williamsburg County proclaims Older Americans Month; seniors press council over locked building and services
Summary
Council adopted a proclamation declaring May 2024 Older Americans Month and heard from Robert Welch about senior programs; attendees complained volunteers were locked out of a building and asked for mosquito spraying, prompting an apology from the supervisor and a pledge to pass concerns to the sheriff.
Williamsburg County Council adopted a proclamation designating May 2024 as Older Americans Month and heard from Robert Welch, who outlined senior programming, voucher distribution and regional senior events. The presentation drew public applause and a request for a group photo with the council.
Robert Welch, identified in the meeting as the executive director for the local senior agency, described the Waccamaw Sports Classic and said more than 200 seniors from across the Waccamaw region participated in field and track events. Welch also outlined logistics for senior grocery vouchers (about $50 per qualifying recipient age 60 and older, subject to program rules) and asked county entities such as the fire department to consider vendor tables at the distribution.
During public comment, an attendee identified in the transcript as a senior participant accused the county of changing locks and leaving volunteers and seniors unable to access a building used for their program. The supervisor responded: "When it was brought to my attention this morning, I asked them to get down there right away and get the door unlocked ... You will not have that problem again." The supervisor said staff had been instructed to ensure the key was available and took responsibility for the mistake.
The same attendee asked the council to address a mosquito problem. The supervisor said, "The sheriff's office, sheriff Steven Gardner, is responsible for the spraying of mosquitoes in Williamsburg County, not the county supervisor," and added he would pass the complaint to Sheriff Gardner for action. The meeting record does not show a subsequent commitment or timetable from the sheriff's office.
The supervisor also said the county is exploring additional support for seniors, including incorporating some services into the county budget and setting funding aside for senior programs. Welch noted that county dollars act as a local match that leverages state and federal funds through the Waccamaw Council of Governments.
The council adjourned and scheduled its next meeting for the third Tuesday in May.
