Residents urge higher pay for jail and sheriff staff and raise concerns about Poinsett Bombing Range detonations

Two members of the public addressed Sumter County Council during the public‑comment period on Nov. 8 about public‑safety staffing, county services and military training impacts.

George Bates thanked council members for recent road work and urged higher pay for sheriff deputies and detention officers, saying contingency funds exist in the county budget. Bates also reported that detonations at the Poinsett Bombing Range — which he said occur roughly once a month — are producing shock waves that affect residents near the range; he asked council to raise the issue with Shaw Air Force Base and requested reevaluation of impacts as tree clearing has intensified those effects. Bates said he lives about three miles from the bombing range.

Michael Miller of Horatio, a retired Department of Corrections employee, said he returned to work when pay increases and bonuses were announced but still sees disparities in county investment. He asked council to consider a gymnasium for the Rafting Creek school area and said he had not received a response about mosquito control after requesting service.

Why it matters: Public comments highlighted two community issues: compensation and staffing in public safety roles, and the local effects of military training at the Poinsett Bombing Range. Council did not record a formal response in the minutes; these matters may require follow‑up by county administration or coordination with state or federal partners (for the bombing range concerns).

What happens next: Comments were recorded in the minutes; the transcript does not show an administration response or specific follow‑up actions, so the status is unresolved pending staff review or future council action.