Cayce council directs staff to work with museum commission on bylaws and inclusivity after investigation

Cayce — The City of Cayce council unanimously approved a staff proposal Wednesday directing the city manager to work with the Museum Commission to recommend a process for including the city’s racial and cultural diversity in museum exhibits and programs, and to update the Commission’s 1987 bylaws to clarify its advisory role.

City Manager Tracy Hegler told council she had briefed members on portions of an investigation by City Attorney Danny Crowe that found some interviewees described the museum as failing to "depict in a meaningful fashion the history of African Americans in the City." Hegler said staff’s immediate, practical recommendations were intended to move the museum forward while preserving its historic collections.

The vote followed a lengthy public comment period in which residents, volunteers and current and former museum commissioners urged action and sometimes criticized both administration and the Commission. "There has to be compassion, diversity, uniformity, compromise, and diplomacy," said Danny Creamer, who asked council to restore unity. Jessica Johnston, a resident who visited the museum, appealed to council to preserve and improve exhibits so "their story [is] not lost historically there in Cayce." Museum Chair Archie G. Moore submitted a written rebuttal to aspects of the attorney’s report and asked the council to slow proposed changes and pursue collaborative solutions.

Mayor Elise Partin said she supported the staff recommendations and asked administration to examine the Chair’s rebuttal for factual claims she believed were "patently false." Hegler told council she would review the Chair’s written statements and said staff had already begun a strategic planning process with the Commission that predates the pandemic.

Mayor Pro‑Tem James E. Jenkins moved to approve both parts of staff’s recommendation; Council Member Tim James seconded. Council members voiced support for moving forward with the manager and the Commission and the motion passed by unanimous roll call.

The council’s action asks city administration and the Museum Commission to propose a concrete process to enhance representation in exhibits and to return to council with updated bylaws that clearly outline Commission roles and responsibilities. Hegler indicated that more substantial ordinance changes described in the attorney’s report could be considered later if needed.

The council also asked staff to review the Chair’s written allegations about staffing and past administration actions and report back; Mayor Partin said she believed some claims were incorrect and wanted them verified. Moore’s rebuttal, entered into the record, outlined the Commission’s historical volunteer efforts and alleged past administrative interference with museum staffing; Moore asked council to "table the proposals" until further collaborative work occurred.

Next steps: staff will work with the Commission on a proposed inclusion process and bylaws updates and return recommendations to council for final action.