Marlboro County Council met Nov. 10, 2026. The council approved several ordinances including three solar projects and the sale of industrial-park land, authorized a $328,870.10 playground relocation funded by the proposed 2027 bond, accepted a letter of intent for a 50,000 sq ft industrial building, and heard presentations from Coker University and Trinity Behavioral Care.
Discussion Points
•A councilor asked for a re-vote after casting an incorrect vote.
•Coker presented the PD Promise to offer zero tuition for eligible high-school graduates.
•Councilors pressed for more detail on seasonal jobs and permanent staffing and raised concerns about whether residents would benefit directly from generated power.
•Councilors questioned job numbers, moratorium scope, and local benefit of generated power.
•Four-month revenue totals and year-over-year comparison; staff attributed difference to timing of state-share revenue collections.
•Funding source identified as 2027 G.O. bond; further procurement and timeline to be determined by Parks and Recreation.
•General fund expenditures and budget percentages presented; staff to monitor revenues and report back.
•Harder stressed the county's low college-attainment rate and connected higher education to economic improvement.
•Letter of intent would provide 90-day diligence period and $100,000 earnest money; councilors noted public input and asked for zoning review.
•Local data: 66 overdoses this year, two fatal; Narcan used in 26 cases.
•Motion to reallocate $328,870.10 from 2027 bond to fund relocation and installation of playground equipment.
•Ms. Sumter described sale terms in general; council discussed statutory readings and recusal/conflict questions.
•Project described as 74 MW and ~435 acres with ~$370,000/year in tax revenue.
Marlboro County Council is scheduled to consider several economic-development measures on Nov. 10, 2026, including amendments to a multi-county industrial-park agreement, two fee-in-lieu of ad valorem tax proposals tied to Pivot Energy and Violet Farm, and the sale of parcels in the Marlboro County Industrial Park.
Discussion Points
•Approval of a nonbinding letter of intent for industrial-park property; agenda provides no LOI text or counterparty.
•Proposal to amend joint industrial park agreement to include additional property in Darlington and Marlboro Counties.
•Proposal to enter into a Fee-In-Lieu of Ad Valorem Taxes agreement with Pivot Energy SC 30 LLC under state statute.
•Third-reading consideration of a PILOT agreement with Violet Farm, LLC.
•Third-reading consideration of authorizing the sale of industrial-park parcels.
Marlboro County Council held its regular meeting to approve multiple ordinances and resolutions, including moratoria and fee-in-lieu agreements for solar projects, budget and bond actions, grant applications for Lindsay Park, and several contract awards for park lighting. Several votes were contested 5–3 on project incentives.
Discussion Points
•Appointee present and willing to serve
•Authorization for auditor and interim administrator to set loss credit factor
•Bond to be issued in early 2027; reimbursement allows projects to proceed
•Clarify whether extension is four months plus 90 days as needed
•Design changes (fewer poles, lower height) reduced costs for Lindsay Park
•Grant is recreation-focused but other CDBG buckets exist (demolition, storm drainage, public safety)
•Large variance in bid amounts explained by differing scopes and contractor approaches
•Local match to be funded by capital projects budget next year
•Love Park acceptance conditional on private foundation contribution
•Need to fill planning commission vacancy
•Need to review zoning language for solar farms
•No change to millage rates from prior year
•Repayment date scheduled for April 1 from property taxes
•TAN provides proceeds in advance of taxes and reimbursements
•Whether applications and fees were submitted prior to the moratorium
•Whether a separate resolution was needed for the ordinance process
•Whether solar farms generate local jobs (temporary construction vs permanent operations)
•Working estimates attached (~$1.88M in expenditures; ~$2.25M payout including interest)
•Zoning committee involvement and possible ordinance amendments
Decisions
•Adopt moratorium; extension available if needed
•Appointment approved unanimously
•Approved TAN authorization unanimously
•Approved title-only reading and companion resolution; staff to return with analysis.
•Approved title reading and identifying resolution; staff to return with documents.
•Approve reimbursement resolution to enable pre‑bond expenditures
•Approve resolution with one abstention
•Approve submission; proceed with grant process.
•Award Lindsay Park contract; accept Love Park bid conditionally (7–1, one abstention)
Directions
•Bond attorney to finalize bond structure
•County Attorney/Staff to verify status of applications, contracts, and fees and return with documents
•Execute Lindsay Park contract with Viper Electric
•Finance staff to coordinate issuance and provide schedule to council
•Return Love Park funding/ change-order details in October
•Staff to assess local job impacts and revenue potential
•Staff to clarify extension process and timing
•Staff to coordinate with PDCG and AE Khan on cost estimates
•Staff to notify public about unchanged millage
•Staff to process appointment paperwork and provide orientation
•Staff to report final figures before bond sale
•Staff to review zoning and recommend amendments
•Staff to submit application and explore other grant categories
Marlboro County Council Called Meeting 08-24--2026
Marlboro County Council held a regular meeting where members approved first readings of two ordinances (sale of industrial park parcels and a four-month moratorium on solar farm applications), awarded fencing contracts for Lindsay Park, authorized staff to relocate CDBG-funded playground equipment with the new site to be chosen at the September meeting, and held an executive session with no action taken.
Discussion Points
•A council member warned that dividing the CDBG grant across multiple sites would defeat the grant's purpose.
•Community concerns about solar farms raised by Miss Sumter; need to research and craft county ordinance.
•Council acknowledged a dedicated pause to gather information and establish safeguards.
•Council amended agenda to add executive session to discuss GO bond and leased vehicles.
•Council entered closed session and later reported no votes or actions were taken.
•Council noted park improvements and the need for safe fields.
•Miss Sumter described plan to sell part of industrial park land to enhance manufacturing; council clarified the sale is not intended for a data center.
•Mr. Park described procurement process and addendum adding replacement and painting.
•Staff reported grant issues at Lindsay Park; one member proposed CW Love Park because of existing Love Foundation funding; another urged evaluation of multiple locations.
Decisions
•Council accepted staff recommendation and approved contract awards unanimously.
•Council authorized staff to relocate CDBG-funded playground equipment; final site to be selected at September meeting.
•No formal actions reported from the executive session.
•Title-only first reading of Ordinance 877 approved unanimously.
•Title-only first reading of Ordinance 883 approved unanimously; moratorium effective immediately and may be extended by later resolution.
Directions
•Staff authorized to relocate equipment and to return with site recommendation at September meeting.
•Staff to execute contracts and schedule work; county to supply paint for Fields 3–5.
•Staff to provide further information for the second reading.
•Staff to use moratorium period to draft a solar ordinance and examine state compliance.
Marlboro County Council Called Meeting 08-19--2026
Routine Marlboro County Council meeting focused on procedural business: invocation and pledge, unanimous approval of routine motions, a unanimous move into and reconvene from executive session with no action taken, scheduling a special call meeting for Monday the 24th at 10:00 a.m., and a request to circulate Planning and Zoning Committee contact information.
Discussion Points
•Approval of agenda and routine motions by unanimous hand vote.
•Calendar item discussed and call meeting set for Monday the 24th at 10:00 a.m.
•Motion to convene an executive session was proposed and approved.
•Request to circulate Planning and Zoning Committee contact information.
Decisions
•Agenda approved; motions to enter/reconvene executive session and adjourn approved.
•Call meeting scheduled.
•Entered and later reconvened from executive session; no actions recorded.
Marlboro County Council Rescheduled Meeting 8-13-26
Marlboro County council meeting included a staff presentation of July revenue and expenditure figures and a facilities update on the new EMS building, related site work and paving projects.
Discussion Points
•Explained reasons for year-over-year revenue increase and higher expenditures.
•Presented interim revenue and expenditure figures for July 2026.
•Presenter described septic, loading-dock, lighting, mezzanine demolition and paving status.
•Presenter identified seized exterior electrical disconnect breakers as a safety-related hold-up.
Marlboro County Council Rescheduled Meeting 8-13-26
A Marlboro County staff member reported that vandals cut copper piping at the county aquatic center, causing about $15,000 in damage. Contractors identified in the transcript as "FBI and CPL" have submitted a time-only change order seeking a six-week extension at no cost to the county; staff also cited a two-week power delay that set back work.
Discussion Points
•Contractors will submit a time-only change order requesting a six-week extension.
•Permanent power was delayed by two weeks, requiring additional wiring work.
•Security measures have been implemented at the site.
•Vandalism removed copper piping, causing about $15,000 in damage.
Directions
•Contractors to submit a change order for time extension; county staff to process forthcoming paperwork.
Marlboro County Public Information Session: Data Center (Session 1)
Developer representatives presented a proposed “Apollo” data center for Marlboro County and Bennettsville, describing the project, projected investment and community benefits; residents raised health and power concerns during a Q&A and county staff emphasized transparency.
Discussion Points
•County staff emphasized transparency and information-sharing.
•Developer presented project scope, design choices and community impact fund.
•Residents raised health, water and power concerns that require follow-up.
Marlboro County Public Information Session: Data Center (Session 2)
Company representatives presented details about Project Apollo, a proposed data center in Marlboro County, describing projected jobs, power and cooling systems, and community benefits; residents raised questions about noise, water use, past industrial pollution and transparency.
Discussion Points
•Company described closed-loop cooling and a fuel-cell power approach and estimated local economic benefits.
•County representative said infrastructure upgrades would be paid by the company and that contractual terms would be used to hold the company to commitments.
•No formal county decision or environmental approval was announced at the session.
•Presenters described design and mitigation measures and said written agreements would be used to hold companies to commitments.
•Residents raised concerns about noise, water, wildlife and historical pollution.
•Residents raised questions about whether companies target poorer communities and about historical contamination from prior industry.
Decisions
•No county vote or binding agreement was recorded at the session.
•No formal decision recorded at the session; project remains active and competing with other communities.
Directions
•County and presenters to follow up with additional information and, if requested, local wage calculations and written commitments.
•Presenters to take follow-up questions and provide additional local wage calculations if requested.
Marlboro County Council Regular Council Meeting (Rescheduled) 06-25-2026
The Marlboro County Council held its June 2026 meeting and approved the county's fiscal 2026'27 budget (Ordinance 881) after a $100,000 amendment; the council also approved a five-year capital improvement plan (Ordinance 882), authorized staff to advertise an RFP for the former hospital property, accepted bids for an airport runway rehabilitation and a paving project, and accepted the county administrator's request not to renew his contract and named an interim administrator.
Discussion Points
•Administrator expressed appreciation and requested non-renewal; council members thanked him and discussed interim leadership.
•Concern about solid waste fee equity and service coverage for county vs. city residents.
•Motion to name Doris Sumpter as interim effective July 1 and to set contract details later.
•RFP terms for former hospital property including proposed minimum offer and deposit; airport runway grant with small county match; experience with paving contractor and budgetary availability.
•System is outdated and not compliant with multi-factor authentication/technology standards; vendor discontinued maintenance; data conversion poses a major cost driver.
•Whether to add targeted funding to solicitor and public defender and how to balance targeted increases vs. across-the-board COLA.
Decisions
•Approve FY 2026\u000227 budget (Ordinance 881) with $100,000 amendment; effective July 1, 2026.
•Authorize RFP advertising; accept runway bid and paving bid awards.
•No funding commitment made; council granted permission to proceed with interagency talks.
•Non-renewal accepted; Doris Sumpter named interim administrator effective July 1.
Directions
•Administration to finalize interim contract details and report to council.
•Finance to confirm special revenue accounting for coroner supplement and transfer of certain funds out of general fund.
•Sheriff authorized to coordinate with municipalities, chiefs of police, and finance/IT staff to obtain vendor quotes and propose an implementation plan.
•Staff to advertise RFP and mail direct solicitations; proceed with grant application and contract execution for runway and paving projects.
•Staff will return with aquatic center fee schedule and finalized capital project list prior to bond issuance.
A Marlboro County Council meeting discussed a proposed reallocation of 2025 GEO bond funds to cover a $171,852 change order for the county aquatic center; council members debated permitting delays, contingency use and a missing slide before a motion to approve the change order failed and the meeting adjourned.
Discussion Points
•Debate over whether contract contingency should cover the $171k and whether that contingency remains available.
•Disagreement among council members about when the change order was submitted and whether council had been told earlier that no additional costs would be incurred.
•Whether city‑required revisions and a stop‑work order, not county actions, produced the added cost; whether CPL/CP&L oversight should have prevented it.
Decisions
•Agenda approved at start; meeting adjourned.
•Motion to approve Change Order G702 failed (no roll‑call tally recorded).
Directions
•Council requested a copy of the current contract and clearer documentation of the change‑order negotiation and contingency calculations.
•Staff to solicit and provide management company proposals for operations and lifeguard needs (to inform operating budget).
Marlboro County council approved a five-year contract with Waste Connections and authorized a $61,249 payment to Mosley Engineering for a detention-center drainage and needs assessment after residents raised late-pickup and communication concerns.
Discussion Points
•Company reported truck repairs, new hires, a Thursday help route and that a custom truck is expected by late summer.
•Council expects the assessment to include a full scope and cost estimate; one speaker noted the assessment amount itself will not repair structural issues.
•Council scheduled a public meeting May 13 to gather resident input on rates and service.
•Request to pay Mosley Engineering $61,249 plus out-of-pocket costs from council contingency because the detention center account lacks adequate funds.
•Resident/representative reported 13 late pickups in District 4 and requested clearer alerts and communication.
Decisions
•Approve payment of $61,249 to Mosley Engineering; charge to council contingency (approved unanimously per transcript).
•Approve Waste Connections contract (motion carried; one opposed; exact tallies not specified).
Directions
•Authorize payment from council contingency; obtain full assessment and cost estimate before committing to remediation work.
•County to post notices and host a May 13 public meeting; Waste Connections to prepare and share literature about dumpster/rolloff rules and to exercise alert capability more consistently.
Marlboro County Called Council Budget Meeting 05-06-2026
Marlboro County Council held a budget workshop to review the proposed general fund for FY 2026–27, covering reassessment-driven revenue gains, a 2% across‑the‑board cost‑of‑living increase, proposed use of fund balance, department-level changes and several service fee adjustments including a solid waste fee proposal.
Discussion Points
•Aging council devices and a $2,000/year monitoring contract (SpyGlass) were discussed.
•Draft uses $262,000 of fund balance; $200,000 for sheriff vehicles may be shifted to bond funding to reduce use of fund balance.
•Operations staff reported dumping costs at three convenience centers average $6,000–$8,000/month, prompting subsidy concerns.
•Proposal includes a 2% COLA for employees and retains a 98‑mill operating rate.
•Reassessment and fee‑in‑lieu have increased revenues but expenditures still outpace gains.
•Staff proposed a $40 increase to the solid‑waste fee (homestead to ~$2.25; regular to ~$2.75).
•Whether council members should be excluded from a council‑member Christmas bonus; compliance concerns raised.
•Whether to solicit a new audit firm (incumbent retained since ~2018).
Decisions
•Council agreed to continue deliberations and schedule follow‑ups; no formal vote was recorded in the transcript.
•No formal vote; council requested follow‑up information.
•No formal votes; council asked for follow‑up work and documentation.
Directions
•Staff to compile a list of audit firms and begin planning if the council wishes to change auditors.
•Staff to prepare additional departmental breakdowns for a subsequent budget workshop.
•Staff to prepare a detailed cost breakdown, vendor contract comparison (current vs proposed), and a county‑comparison of solid‑waste fees for the next workshop.
•Staff to present detailed aquatic‑center operating estimates and proposed user fees at a follow‑up workshop.
•Staff to provide options/costs for replacing or standardizing council devices and to review device billing.
•Staff to verify compliance for bonuses and, if necessary, remove council members from the payout.
Marlboro County Council held its March 2026 meeting: councilors heard public comments about assault‑awareness events, park safety and animal control; moved several economic‑development and solar‑project items to get more information; and approved multiple construction bids including a costly fire‑suppression bid that will require a $1,000,000 advance from the Economic Development Fund.
Discussion Points
•Bid tabulation details, contractor licensing, and a post‑submission bidder correction that raised a low bid by approximately $50,000.
•Cleanup supplies and volunteer sign‑ups will be provided; job fair scheduled for 05/06/2026.
•Concerns about megawatt capacity and exact location of proposed solar sites.
•Delinquent tax sale date moved to 11/09/2026 for more public notice.
•General fund revenues up year‑over‑year due to reassessment and fee‑in‑lieu income.
•Request for sign placement on Highway 38 to warn motorists; petition presented with ~150 signatures.
•Requests for more information on fiscal impact of fee‑in‑lieu incentives.
•Resident performs trap‑neuter‑release work and requests enforcement and communication.
•Resident reports widespread stray animal presence, attacks and inconsistent animal control responses.
•Staff stated funds are available in an investment account and repayment is expected via lease payments, potentially over a longer term.
•Staff will supply additional project funding details and perform a reclassification on the solicitor account.
•The formal bid far exceeded the earlier estimate and increases required county advance funding.
Marlboro County Council met in March 2026 to consider several development and procurement items, hear public comments on park safety and animal control, approve multiple construction bids (including a fire-suppression contract requiring a $1,000,000 advance from the county economic-development fund), review finance reports, and schedule community cleanup and a job fair.
Discussion Points
•Bright recommended signage repositioning and road widening at BrightSphere Park, and presented a petition with approximately 150 signatures.
•Council approved multiple bid awards after staff presented low-qualified bidders and bid-tabulation details.
•Council expressed need for megawatt capacity, exact project location and related economic-development details before action.
•Council requested treasurer/auditor participation and fuller project packets for the aquatic center.
•Finance director presented revenues up due to reassessment and fee-in-lieu distributions.
•Pamela Best alleged failures of animal-control enforcement and urged stronger action and resources.
•Several council members said solar projects warrant additional review despite support for economic development in general.
•Staff reported the EagleFire bid substantially exceeded estimates and recommended an Economic Development Fund advance to bridge the gap.
Decisions
•Council accepted the finance report as presented and asked for follow-up documentation; no fiscal transfers were approved in the meeting.
•Council approved the listed bid awards and accepted staff’s recommendation to advance $1,000,000 from the Economic Development Fund for the Delta Mill fire-suppression project; council recorded one abstention on the final item.
•Motion to table Resolution 032601 and Ordinance 880 approved by raise-of-hand vote; no final action on fee-in-lieu or ordinance readings.
•No formal board action was taken during public comment; chair said council would take information under advisement.
Directions
•Purchasing and facilities to finalize contracts and return executed copies to council.
•Schedule credit-card control training at the end of March and include treasurer/auditor in finance meetings.
•Staff to circulate a fuller packet to council and coordinate with the executive committee.
•Staff to compile information on animal-control capacity and enforcement steps for council consideration.
•Staff to provide full bid documentation, contractor licenses, and proposed payback/lease revenue scenarios for the Delta Mill advance.
•Staff to provide full-size current project packets and updated aquatic-center schedules.
•Staff to provide project maps, megawatt capacity and economic terms to council.
•Staff to review petitions and safety concerns and report back to council with options for signage and road improvements.
Marlboro County Council met Feb. 10, 2026. Business included a presentation of a proposed five-year solid-waste contract recommendation from Waste Connections, an executive session, adoption of Ordinance 879 (an inducement resolution for a 75 MW solar project called Project Cranberry Cousins), board and commission appointments, the monthly financial report, and routine county updates including delinquent tax-sale scheduling and a countywide cleanup plan.
Discussion Points
•Chief Charles English resigned; council members reported the resignation and shared concerns about prior support from the sheriff's office.
•Council asked staff to bring detailed cost estimates and operational proposals to the Public Services Committee.
•Council discussed wanting a community person for the PDRTA vacancy and asked staff to nominate someone.
•Council member described extended service lapses in the Wallace area and requested contingency planning.
•Council members requested more granular analysis of IT and audit-related expenditures.
•Fee-in-lieu receipts and general-tax revenues were not yet posted and will be reflected in next month's report.
•One council member voiced opposition to the project or to inducement resolutions in principle.
•Speakers urged coordination to ensure McCall has coverage while the town is without a chief.
•Staff described Ordinance 879 as an inducement resolution for a private-property 75 MW solar project in the Wallace area.
•Staff outlined operational features: GPS-enabled trucks, onboard cameras, call-center metrics, and 24-hour response windows for most missed-pickup calls.
•Staff presented example pricing scenarios for five-year fixed vs annual CPI-indexed options and said final rates will be negotiated during contract drafting.
•Staff presented procurement scoring and recommended Waste Connections as highest-ranked bidder (89.9) vs Meridian (80.29).
•Staff reported having asked Waste Connections for dumpster pricing for emergency use at convenience centers.
•Staff reported YTD expenditures of $9,536,392 against a $16,492,894 budget (57.82%).
•The motion to accept the ordinance carried 4\u0002to\u00023 on a voice vote.
•Wagner described as a longtime public-school teacher with volunteer experience at the library.
Decisions
•No budget adjustments were made at this meeting; staff to return with more data.
•No formal contract award was finalized at this meeting; council gave direction to continue negotiations and to present an initial draft at the next meeting.
•No formal policy or purchase approved at this meeting; direction given to obtain cost estimates.
•No formal vote or directive recorded; matter left for staff and interagency coordination.
•Ordinance No. 879 was accepted by council vote (4\u0002to\u00023).
•Tammy Wagner appointed to the library board; PDRTA vacancy to be filled later.
Directions
•Council asked staff to engage with the sheriff's office and affected municipalities to ensure interim coverage; no formal directive was recorded.
•Council to consider operational contingency language when staff returns with negotiated contract language.
•Staff to continue negotiations with Waste Connections and return a draft contract to the council at the next regular meeting.
•Staff to obtain pricing for emergency roll-offs and present findings to the Public Services Committee.
•Staff to present a more detailed IT expenditure analysis and revenue posting explanations prior to budget season.
•Staff to present a PDRTA nominee at the next council meeting.
•Staff to proceed with the administrative next steps associated with the inducement resolution and project records.
•Staff to provide pricing detail and schedule town-hall meetings if the council requests community outreach tied to the contracting timeline.
Marlboro County Council on Feb. 10, 2026 held a regular meeting in Bennettsville. Council approved the first reading (title only) of Ordinance #879, heard a presentation from Waste Connections about a proposed five-year trash contract to be funded via property tax, approved two board appointments, received finance and administrative reports, and adjourned.
Discussion Points
•Council debated advancing Ordinance #879 on first reading; votes were split 4–3.
•Economic development contractual matters were discussed in executive session; no formal decisions were recorded there.
•Finance staff reported that fee‑in‑lieu and property tax revenues had not yet been posted to the general ledger for the reporting period.
•Minutes do not record a council vote to award the contract at this meeting.
•Staff recommended awarding a five‑year contract with Waste Connections and proposed funding via property taxes.
Decisions
•No contract award recorded in the minutes; the recommendation remains with staff.
•Ordinance #879 advanced on first reading (title only) with a 4–3 vote.
•Tammy Wagner appointed to the Library Board; Pearly Lawson reappointed to the Pee Dee COG Executive Committee (both unanimous).
Directions
•Clerk to update board rosters and notify relevant entities of appointments.
•County treasurer to post outstanding tax and fee‑in‑lieu revenues and provide updated comparisons for future board packets.
•Economic Development Department to return ordinance for subsequent readings or public hearing as required.
Marlboro County Council convened Feb. 10, 2026. Members elected Doctor Johnson as chair, heard a presentation recommending a five-year waste collection contract with Waste Connections, approved an inducement ordinance for a 75 MW solar project (Ordinance 879), confirmed several appointments including Tammy Wagner to the library board, received a finance update and administrative reports, and addressed the recent resignation of McCall’s police chief.
Discussion Points
•Chief Charles English resigned, raising immediate public‑safety coverage concerns in McCall.
•Committee recommended Waste Connections after scoring proposals; proposed five‑year fixed contract vs. one‑year CPI option.
•Councilmembers alleged prior lack of support from the county sheriff for the town police department.
•Council members raised service reliability issues in Wallace, asked for contract guarantees and contingency plans.
•Council requested staff and the sheriff coordinate interim coverage and consider agreements to ensure coverage.
•Nomination and election of Doctor Johnson as chair; one abstention recorded.
•Objections raised by at least one council member; staff stressed county liability limits.
•Ordinance 879 is an inducement resolution for a solar development on private property.
•PDRTA board vacancy to be filled at next meeting with a community nominee if no council member volunteers.
•Staff to negotiate contract terms and schedule community town halls before final council vote.
•Tammy Wagner appointed unanimously to the library board.
Decisions
•Chair election approved with one abstention; library appointment approved unanimously.
•Council approved the inducement resolution by a 4–3 vote.
•No final contract vote at this meeting; direction given to negotiate and return.
•No formal action taken at this meeting; direction given to coordinate coverage.
Directions
•Clerk's office to process Tammy Wagner's appointment paperwork.
•Council to monitor the town’s recruitment and any formal request for county assistance.
•Developer to proceed with permitting; staff to monitor and report any required agreements or requests to council.
•Staff to bring a name for the PDRTA vacancy at the next council meeting.
•Staff to continue negotiations with Waste Connections and return with final contract language and town‑hall schedule.
•Staff to coordinate with McCall officials and the Marlboro County Sheriff's Department on interim coverage options and report back.
•Staff to evaluate emergency collection options (temporary roll‑offs) for affected areas.
Marlboro County Council met Jan. 21, 2026, and unanimously approved the third reading of Ordinance No. 878 (sale of the county'owned "Spec" building and up to 10 acres), authorized engaging Capital Consulting LLC to pursue state appropriations, declared a state of emergency for an approaching winter storm and authorized staff to negotiate a solid-waste contract with Waste Connections.
Discussion Points
•Chairman Woods supported using outside help and coordinating with state representatives
•Council approved a formal declaration and directed staff to implement sheltering
•Council authorized staff to negotiate with Waste Connections
•Council confirmed acreage will be determined by new survey before closing
•Council discussed ordinance details in old business
•County Administrator described firm\u0002\u0002s role in securing state appropriations
•County Administrator warned of significant storm and possible power outages
•Finance Director presented two proposals and recommended Waste Connections
•No contract amounts or final award were recorded in the minutes
•Planning Department identified an animal evacuation location
•Public hearing opened and no public comments heard
•Some council members objected to employing lobbyists
Decisions
•Approve Declaration #01-01-26 establishing a state of emergency
•Approve engaging Capital Consulting LLC
•Approve third reading of Ordinance No. 878 by unanimous vote
•Authorize staff to negotiate solid-waste contract with Waste Connections
Directions
•County to obtain new survey and prepare closing documents
•Open community center as shelter; prepare Old Bingo Building for animals
•Staff to negotiate contract terms and return details to council as required
•Staff to negotiate terms and present final contract to council for approval
Marlboro County council received an external audit briefing, heard a detailed annual report from Sheriff McNeal on staffing, jail conditions and narcotics trends, approved several ordinances and a bond resolution, discussed a solid-waste contract RFP and made appointments and leadership nominations.
Discussion Points
•Auditor explained scope: bank reconciliations reviewed 100%; sampling of 40 transactions used for disbursement/revenue tests.
•Book launch scheduled for 01/31/2026 at 3:00 p.m.; project described as five years in development.
•Capitalization policy: $5,000 threshold for fixed‑asset testing.
•Council considered the measure with no substantive debate and approved unanimously.
•Detention center: architects found ventilation, drainage and moisture issues requiring repair; cost unknown.
•Evaluation weighted pricing at ~60%, with past experience and scalability considered.
•Federal 'offer' funds: auditors said restrictions were relaxed for recipients under $10,000,000, allowing broader use.
•Fleet: 40 vehicles assigned; 7 inoperable and many vehicles over 100,000 miles.
•NAACP to present 'Justice on Trial' Feb. 7; ticket pricing and sales reported; request for council support for student attendance.
•Operational metrics: calls for service, arrests, overdose and fentanyl arrests increased year over year.
•Resolution authorizes bond issuance up to $3 million in special revenue bonds consistent with prior council approvals.
•Second reading focused on property description and survey to confirm acreage.
•Staff described ordinance as streamlining economic development across counties.
•Staff indicated sale supports ongoing economic projects at the industrial park.
•Staffing: hired 20, lost 12; currently 3 certified officer vacancies.
•Staff referenced statutory authority and project sponsorship; some council members opposed during vote call.
•Third reading focused on expanding jointly owned industrial park to include additional properties.
•Third reading of fee‑in‑lieu agreement with Monarch Energy LLC (Project Hush).
•Two bidders: Meridian Waste and Waste Connections.
•Year‑end figures: $2,000,000 more revenue than budgeted; $1,200,000 in over‑expenditures; net $800,000 positive but required reserve transfers altered presentation.
Decisions
•Advance ordinance on second reading (unanimous).
•Ordinance advanced and adopted on third reading
•Ordinance approved on third reading
•Resolution approved
Directions
•Architects/surveyors to compile findings and return with cost estimates for detention‑center repairs.
•County counsel and staff to finalize and execute agreement documents.
•Finance and county counsel to proceed with bond sale preparation and state filings.
•Proceed with implementation and any necessary surveys for parcels to be included.
•Public services committee to finish RFP and ensure required insurance/contract terms.
•Staff to order a new survey and prepare conveyance documents.
•Staff to provide department‑level budget breakdowns and further explanation of transfers for upcoming budget briefings.
•Staff to return with full recommendation and contract terms.
