Thank you for taking the time to visit the Mayor’s Office.
Mayor
David P. Merchant
Mailing Address
P.O. Box 1449
Sumter, SC 29151
Physical Location
21 N. Main Street
Sumter, SC 29150
Phone
(803) 436-2500
vision and mission
The City of Sumter exists to provide our citizens an environment of opportunity and excellent public services.
We do this by:
Mayor's Minute
The Mayor’s Minute is a community-focused information series from the City of Sumter, designed to keep residents and visitors informed, engaged, and connected. Through this initiative, the City underscores its ongoing commitment to accountability and transparency, while providing timely updates and insights on important projects, programs, and events. The Mayor's office shares this series as a way to strengthen communication, foster trust, and ensure that the community remains an active partner in shaping Sumter’s future.
The COVID-19 pandemic has prompted many changes to daily life, and just as many questions about what’s happening, why, and what will happen in the future. In the face of uncertainty, it’s easy to get the wrong information. Sumter Mayor Joseph T. McElveen addresses some of the most frequently asked questions and concerns: Q: How long will “social” or “physical distancing” guidelines remain in place...
Sumter, SC (April 1, 2020) – Today was National Census Day, I want to encourage you to respond to the 2020 Census and help us shape the future. The 2020 Census is more than a population count. It’s an opportunity to shape the future of our community. The census results have an impact on planning and funding for health clinics, highways, fire departments and disaster response, education programs...
How many times have Sumterites hunkered down in preparation for a hurricane? Sometimes we are hit; more often, we are not. But our common sense tells us, “Don’t take a chance.” We need to treat the coronavirus the same way. The next couple of weeks are a critical time. The US Surgeon General has likened this situation to Pearl Harbor or 9/11. The experts have devoted their lives to controlling...
Council approved the annexation requests from two property owners: 44 acres located on south side of Pocalla Springs, and, 64 acres located off Camden Highway (Highway 521 North). Council approved the budget from the U.S. H Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Community Development Block Grant funding. Funds will be primarily spent on housing rehabilitation programs through our community...
My friends, I know it has been a tough couple of months. First and foremost, I am proud of our community for remaining vigilant through this unusual time, but while many areas in our state and nation are preparing to transition back to normal, I want to encourage all of us to continue remaining vigilant—stay home as much as possible, and use caution when you need to go out. The experts at the CDC...
Council held two public hearings last night. While our facilities are still closed to the public because of the COVID-19 pandemic, we gave residents three ways to submit comments, via email, via public comment form on our website and we also set up a comment station at the rear entrance to the Opera House, so we could allow for in-person comments while maintaining appropriate physical distancing...
Like so many of you, I am angered and disgusted at the actions of the Minneapolis police officers that took the life of George Floyd. There are no words that I, or anyone else, could offer to the Floyd family and victims of racism and violence to express the feelings of sorrow shared by the Sumter community. Now more than ever before, we are reminded of the challenge to change the racial biases...
Council held four public hearings this month to receive comments on: Additional funding through Community Development Block Grant, with specifics on use through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Security Act (Care Act). Revision of an existing planned development, located at 1740 U.S. Highway 15 South, Pocalla Springs, to add Religious Organizations to the approved uses list within the land use area...
Council held five public hearings this month to receive comments on : Use of a dditional funding through Community Development Block Grant , with specifics on use through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Security Act (Care Act). Revision of an existing planned development , located at 1740 U.S. Highway 15 South, Pocalla Springs, to add Reli gious O rganizations to the approved uses list within the...
In recent days, I have received emails and heard public comments regarding the non-compliance of mask wearing in businesses and locations in the City of Sumter. I feel the need to emphasize that the ordinance approved by City Council requires business owners to ensure that his or her employees are taking the appropriate steps to protect themselves and patrons. Additionally, the ordinance maintains...