Blythewood approves mutual aid agreement with Richland County; council declines reimbursement and waives privilege in mayoral lawsuit

The Blythewood Town Council unanimously approved a mutual aid agreement with the Richland County Sheriff's Department on April 30 that largely mirrors the 2023 agreement and adds a provision permitting the sheriff's office to charge $55 per hour for code-enforcement services when requested.

The council vote to approve the mutual aid agreement was 5-0. Finance Director Julie Emory clarified that the $55 hourly charge would only apply when the town requested and used the service, not as an automatic billing.

Later in the meeting council considered entering executive session under S.C. Code Ann. §30-4-70 to receive legal advice related to pending litigation (Town of Blythewood et al. v. Mayor Griffin). Attorney Pete Balthazor advised council that portions of the matter could be discussed in open session because the item was properly on the agenda. Mayor S. Griffin moved to enter executive session; that motion failed on a 4-1 roll-call vote.

Following that vote, Councilman D. Brock moved to waive attorney-client privilege on the specific litigation item; the motion was seconded and passed unanimously 5-0. Attorney Balthazor advised council there is no legal requirement for the town to reimburse the mayor's personal legal costs absent explicit council approval. Councilmembers expressed concern about creating a precedent for covering individual legal fees incurred without prior council authorization. No motion to reimburse the mayor was made and no reimbursement action was taken.

Council also deferred an ordinance establishing a curfew for minors (Ordinance 2025.003) and a resolution supporting an amendment to South Carolina law related to Scout Motors to the next regular meeting; both deferrals passed by 4-1 votes earlier in the session.