By Betsy Finklea
A joint meeting of all four councils in Dillon County—the Dillon County Council, the Dillon City Council, the Latta Town Council, and Lake View Town Council— along with the local police chiefs and Rep. Jackie Hayes, was held on Monday evening at a local restaurant.
County Administrator Rodney Berry said these were historic days in Dillon County and discussed the importance of leadership at all levels. He said he saw a value in them meeting and talking.
Rep. Jackie Hayes and each group had a few moments to speak.
Rep. Hayes updated the group on the House and Senate versions of the budget and some things there that he thought would be good for economic development. He stressed the need for more new schools in the county including a K-5 school for Dillon and a middle school in Latta. He also spoke about quality of life issues that he thought would be important to people looking at locating in the area. He also briefly touched on the reapportionment that will be coming up soon.
Berry offered further comments and spoke about economic development and said they had some projects in the pipeline.
Mayor Todd Davis of Dillon spoke about the emphasis he will be placing on Main Street revitalization.
He said they already have a facade grant in place, and he is asking council to approve to upfit grants. He spoke about the preservation tax incentive that the city just passed and expressed a desire that the county council and county school board pass the same thing. He also discussed concerns about crime from a perception standpoint.
Matthew Elvington, Mayor-Elect of Lake View, said he and council which includes two new members will be getting their feet wet. He said in Lake View that the biggest employer is the school system. He said they will be working to promote local businesses and will market Lake View as a great place to live and raise a family.
Latta Town Administrator Jarett Taylor said that the school board recently deeded the town the old Latimer School, and they will be looking at that as a potential shelter and other ways to utilize the building. He said in the middle of May, renovations are expected to begin on the town park. Also, the town is working on a $10 million water and sewer project that they hope to break ground on in the fall.
The meeting concluded with a discussion on litter. Stricter litter enforcement and a possible amnesty day were discussed. Berry said the county will begin a marketing campaign on this very soon.
The group is expected to have these joint meetings on a quarterly basis.