Sumter County Council defers ordinance revising meeting rules, schedules separate workshop

Sumter County Council unanimously voted to defer action on Ordinance 24-1009 — a proposed amendment to the county code governing meetings and the order of business — and directed staff to schedule a separate workshop to review the draft line-by-line.

Council Chairman James T. McCain, Jr. introduced the ordinance by reading its caption and invited council comment. Councilman Carlton B. Washington urged the council to address constituent concerns and lingering road issues tied to a 1991 ordinance; he recommended allowing the chairman to appoint special committees with a two-month deadline for reporting back and suggested removing or adjusting Section 2-59(e) of the code. Vice Chairman James R. Byrd, Jr. recommended incorporating the existing standing-committee structure into the rules by reference or attachment and likewise supported explicit authority for the chairman to form special committees when needed.

Councilman Vivian Fleming McGhaney said a redlined version of the ordinance addressed many of her concerns and asked the council to revisit private-road rules to consider allowing roads into the county road system. Councilman Eugene R. Baten urged members to read Robert's Rules of Order to ensure consistent parliamentary procedure. Chairman McCain proposed the workshop be held on a day other than regular meeting days so members could review the ordinance "line-by-line."

Following discussion, Vice Chairman Byrd moved to defer the ordinance and remove it from the August 27 regular meeting agenda; Councilman Washington seconded and the motion carried unanimously. The council did not hold an executive session; no old-business items were listed, and the meeting adjourned at 5:55 p.m.

Next steps: council staff will schedule the recommended workshop and circulate the redlined ordinance and related materials in advance so members can prepare for the planned line-by-line review.