Council members press school funding and email protocol; public raises video-access and firearm-ban proposal

Council members used the Nov. 26 meeting to press concerns about county support for local schools and to call for clearer internal communications protocols, while public commenters asked about meeting video access and urged discussion of a proposed firearm ban for urban residential areas.

During committee reports, Councilman Eugene R. Baten said the Concern Citizens Committee is worried about the quality of education in Sumter County and linked funding shortfalls to community violence. Councilman Carlton B. Washington described gaps he observed while visiting local schools and suggested council initiate quarterly meetings with the School District; he also criticized an internal email that omitted some council members and asked that the County Administrator approve staff emails to council before distribution. Washington thanked Clerk Mary W. Blanding for her service and said she will be “sorely missed.”

County Administrator Gary Mixon said he would review Washington’s concern and noted that some council members receive notices at personal email addresses rather than county addresses, which can cause missed messages; Mixon said he would make adjustments if needed.

Public comment included two speakers. Cindy Brooks Parks asked how citizens can reliably view meeting videos when they cannot attend and said videos are not always posted the next day; she also criticized staff in the Register of Deeds for dressing unprofessionally. Dr. Alexandra Baten urged council consideration of an ordinance banning the use of firearms in urban residential areas and said she has been communicating with Sheriff Dennis through Greg Hawkins; she also reiterated her view linking lack of education with violent crime. The minutes record these public comments but do not show any formal referral or vote on the firearms idea.

The meeting adjourned at 7:31 p.m.