Cayce council adds executive session to consider proposed settlement in fire truck litigation

The City of Cayce Council unanimously voted Sept. 17 to amend its meeting agenda to add an executive session to receive legal advice and consider a proposed settlement in pending litigation involving a fire truck.

City Attorney Will Dillard told the council the matter related to pending litigation and involved a settlement proposal that had been brought to his attention the day before, and that exigent circumstances allowed the council to add the item under the Freedom of Information Act. Municipal Clerk Mendy Corder confirmed that members of the press and public had been duly notified in accordance with the FOIA.

Council Member Phil Carter moved to amend the agenda to add the executive session for receipt of legal advice and potential approval of the proposed settlement; Council Member Hunter Sox seconded. The motion carried unanimously by roll call vote. The council also approved the Aug. 20, 2025 Regular Council Meeting minutes as written after a separate, unanimous motion.

Mayor Elise Partin and Council Members Phil Carter, Hunter Sox and Byron Thomas were recorded as present at the Sept. 17 meeting. City Manager Michael Conley and senior city staff including Assistant City Manager Wesley Crosby, Municipal Clerk Mendy Corder, Finance Director Allison Barrs, Human Resources Director Keisha Brunson, IT Director Jamie Beckham, Utilities Director Betsy Catchings, Police Chief Bruce Wade, Fire Chief Steven Bullard and City Attorney Will Dillard were listed in attendance.

The amended agenda added the executive session item for a time-sensitive settlement proposal; the public record notes that the council found exigent circumstances for the late addition. The meeting proceeded to Item I.B. on the published agenda after the procedural votes.