By Betsy Finklea
The Dillon County Council heard from a Pee Dee Coalition representative, discussed generators, talked about the county cleanup, and discussed damage suffered during the hurricane at their October meeting.
Glenda Schleich from the Pee Dee Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assalut gave a report on their activities in the county.  She said their staff of volunteers presented 13 community education sessions.  She said they had 194 residents who volunteered in the Dillon County area.  She thanked the county for the opportunity to provide services.  She said this effort involves the entire community being responsible.
The council discussed a generator for Dillon County Fire Station Three to be paid for out of the capital sales tax money.  Councilman Bobby Moody said the generator they had was not big enough to run what they needed during the hurricane.
They had to go to farmers for diesel fuel and gasoline.  It was noted that other stations had problems also.  Interim County Administrator Rodney Berry said there was a possibility that they could get grand funding and that Congressman Tom Rice could possibly help.  B. Moody said he would like to see the county try for the grant, but if they can’t get a grant, he would like to buy one.  B. Moody talked the motion to table passed.
The council discussed the prospect of hiring contractors to clean up.  Chairman T.F. “Buzzy” Finklea, Jr.,  said he got a call from a Dillon County citizen who has a small operation but would like the opportunity to do some of the clean-up work.
Finance Director Richard Gaddy said SCDOT would soon begin clean-up starting in Dillon and moving outward.  County Attorney Alan Berry said if they hire private contractors that they have to follow the procurement policy.  Further discussion followed.  Councilman Harold Moody asked what they were cleaning up.  Councilman Robbie Coward said any damage caused by the flood.  Interim County Administrator Berry will look into this further.
The council also voted to fund half the cost of a vehicle for the Solicitor’s Office in the amount of $15,000.  Sheriff Major Hulon will fund the other half out of the drug fund.  The Solicitor’s Office has a Dodge Charger with 40,000 miles on it that they will give the county.  The car will be used by the administrative office of the county.  The motion was made by Coward and seconded by Councilman Archie Scott.  The motion was approved.
Councilman Randy Goings gave the report of the building committee.  He said they were going to see if FEMA could help out on some of the repairs.  Goings said some of the things they will move expediently on are the work at the Latta EMS building and the Latta Library.  On the other things, they will wait and see if FEMA and the insurance will kick in funds to help out.  The estimated cost of the damage is over $1 million.  Goings said as far as the damage at the judicial center, the council needs to talk to their attorney.  He said the committee is recommending that the council take legal action.
Interim Administrator Rodney Berry then gave his report.  He said that the council should start looking back into the airport situation.  He will look into the feasibility of it.  He also reported that they met with Plexos who works at maximizing the dollars the county gets from FEMA.  He said he will look into how much the group wants to charge.
Percy Brigman (District 4) and Linda Dutton (District 7) were appointed to the Dillon County Library Board.
An executive session was held to discuss Project Badger, the inland port, and a legal matter.  No action was taken after the executive session.