Sumter County Council holds school millage at last year’s rate after heated debate

Sumter County Council voted 4-3 on June 27, 2023 to fund the Sumter School District at the same millage level it received in fiscal year 2022-23, after a contentious session in which councilmembers debated the district’s request for a 12.75-mill increase.

The council approved a substitute motion offered by Councilman Charles T. Edens and seconded by Councilman Artie Baker to maintain last year’s millage. Vice Chairman James R. Byrd Jr., Baker, Edens and Chairman James T. McCain Jr. voted in favor; Councilmen Carlton B. Washington, Eugene R. Baten and Vivian Fleming McGhaney opposed.

The vote capped a prolonged exchange in which Councilman Washington originally moved to grant the district’s full 12.75-mill request and later offered a series of smaller motions (11.75, 10.75, 9.75, 8.75, 7.75, 6.75 and 5.75 mills) that were each defeated 4-3. Washington argued the district needed more revenue to retain teachers and raise low salaries; he told colleagues the council must “take its foot off of the School District’s neck.”

Councilman Eugene R. Baten framed the issue in equity terms, saying the county has a history of “systemic racism” in funding decisions and urging fuller support for the district’s low-paid employees. “We owe the School District over $4,000,000 to get their employees up to $25,000,” Baten said.

Opponents of a millage increase pointed to the district’s audited fund balance and vacancy savings. Chairman McCain cited the district’s unassigned general fund balance of $39,547,762 and said the district’s own audit and recent state funding increases had increased available revenues. “I personally believe the funds exist in their current revenue stream to accomplish this task,” McCain said.

Councilman Artie Baker questioned the distribution of district spending and urged the school system to use internal budget adjustments, noting the district’s movement of $3,200,000 between budget lines. Baker said he would be “shame[d]” if essential workers’ pay were overlooked while higher-paid administrators received raises.

The debate included repeated references to staffing vacancies: council members and the district’s materials cited roughly 100 teacher vacancies, and outside analyses shown to councilmembers listed projected expenditure increases of millions of dollars for FY 2024. Washington and Baten argued vacancy savings should not be relied on to meet ongoing personnel costs.

Public commenters urged the council to fund the district more fully. Myra Washington told the council that “the kids will suffer” if additional funds are not approved; several other speakers echoed that concern while others urged fiscal caution.

The council took no executive session on the matter and adjourned at 7:38 p.m. The district will proceed for FY 2023-24 under the same millage rate as the prior year, and the council indicated it will continue to monitor budget impacts during the fiscal year.

Votes at a glance: Substitute motion to fund at prior-year millage — Passed 4-3 (Baker, Byrd, Edens, McCain in favor; Washington, Baten, McGhaney opposed). Series of motions to fund at higher millage levels offered by Councilman Washington — each failed 4-3.