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Sumter County council delays overhaul of meeting rules after members and residents object to draft process
Summary
Council members disputed how a draft ordinance to change meeting rules (Ordinance 24-1009) was developed and moved to defer further action; some members said they had not been included in drafting, and public commenters urged greater transparency and access to the proposed rule changes.
Sumter County Council debated proposed changes to its meeting rules on Aug. 13, with several members objecting to the way the draft was prepared and public speakers urging more transparency.
County Attorney Johnathan Bryan and County Administrator Gary Mixon told council the draft ordinance (24-1009) drew on rules from other counties and the county code. Councilman Carlton B. Washington moved to "pull down" the ordinance and return to a drafting process that includes all council members, saying he and others had not been involved in drafting the proposal. The roll-call recorded Washington, Councilwoman Vivian Fleming McGhaney and Councilman Eugene R. Baten as voting "yea," and four other members voting "nay." The motion to pull down did not carry in that roll-call.
After a public hearing during which residents said they had not seen the draft and asked for more opportunity to review it, Vice Chairman James R. Byrd moved to defer second reading and hold workshops so every council member and the public could participate in revisions; Councilwoman McGhaney seconded that motion. Minutes record the restated action to defer and to conduct meetings to build a document acceptable to all members.
Residents at the meeting repeatedly asked for access to the draft ordinance before public comment. Myra Washington said the public had not been given a copy of the proposed rules. Cindy Brooks Parks, who said she has worked in city and county government, urged the county to livestream meetings so residents could view them remotely.
Council debate focused on process, not the specific provisions in the proposed code. Councilmembers questioned who had authorized staff to prepare the draft and whether the committee process was followed. Mr. Mixon said he and the county attorney prepared the draft and consulted other counties' rules in the development process.
Minutes show the matter will be discussed in workshops and that further deliberation will be scheduled so all council members can participate and the public can comment.
