By Betsy Finklea
Judge James Lockemy appeared before the Dillon County Council recently to ask the council to consider establishing a Dillon County courthouse foundation.
Lockemy said 12 years ago, a commission was established when the courthouse was restored. This commission sold coins and prints in honor of the opening. As a result, Lockemy said, there is $2,704.45, and he needs to know what to do with the money.
He said they had talked previously about a courthouse foundation, and they could use this money to do little things here and there. He said this money could be used to fix a lock, shine a door handle, or hold an event.
Lockemy said he thought they all agree that the courthouse and the courtroom is a treasure.
He presented council with a proposal. It states that the purpose of the foundation would be to “assist the county in maintaining the courthouse, monitor and help regulate the use of the courthouse and its facility, raise funds and stimulate community awareness of the courthouse, and coordinate activities with the County Council and with its approval.”
It would be composed of seven members included the chair (Clerk of Court), vice-chair (Highest ranking judicial official in Dillon County), two members from a local civic organization, and three members appointed by Dillon County Council.
He said the funds could be deposited in the account of a current civic organization or the county would have to get its own tax exempt status.
Lockemy said if the council agrees to set it up that’s wonderful, and if not, they need to tell him what to do with the money.
Clerk of Court Gwen Hyatt talked about school and tourist visits to the courthouse. She said maybe people would make donations for the courthouse.
Lockemy said council would have to approve what was done and that this would be a “helping group.”
The council took this as information and did not make a decision at this meeting.