Sumter County Council approves $466,500 budget amendment to buy bulldozer after public hearing

Sumter County Council on April 23 approved, on third reading, Ordinance 24-999 to amend the 2023–24 budget to permit purchase of a bulldozer for the Department of Public Works.

County staff said the county will receive a $58,500 trade‑in credit for an existing loader and finance a remaining $466,500 from the Solid Waste Disposal Fund. County Administrator/administrator‑level staff (Mr. Gary Mixon) told council the machine must meet the specific specifications used when soliciting a replacement and said the new equipment would have aided county crews in responding more quickly to a recent landfill fire.

During the public hearing, several residents questioned the cost and procurement process. “When I heard about the purchase of the equipment, I thought that the equipment would be able to scrape some of the dirt roads,” said Myra Washington, who also said she found lower prices in her own research and was concerned the county had not sought more bids. Wayne Geddings told council that people on dirt roads sometimes cannot get medicines to their homes and questioned spending for landfill equipment. Linda Hastings said one quote was insufficient for a purchase of this size. In contrast, Michael Choice said he supported the purchase, citing site needs and staffing constraints at the landfill.

After the hearing, Councilman Artie Baker moved and Councilman Charles T. Edens seconded the motion to grant third reading. The motion carried; Councilman Carlton B. Washington abstained. The minutes record the ordinance as granted third reading and the purchase authorized.

What happens next: The ordinance amendment takes effect according to county budgeting procedures and the county will proceed with the equipment procurement consistent with the specifications presented to council. The record does not specify the procurement timeline or vendor; those details were not provided at the meeting.