At last night’s City Council meeting, we kicked things off honoring National Volunteer Week, as well as celebrating the championship-winning basketball teams for both Bates Middle School and Ragin Prep. Council also had a second reading on proposed utility rate changes and a first reading on the replacement of the US-15 southbound bridge over the Pocotaligo River.
Last night, Council recognized National Volunteer Week and the incredible work of the Santee Lynches Volunteer Ombudsman program.
- These volunteers serve as advocates for residents in long-term care facilities, making sure their voices are heard and their quality of life is protected.
- It’s a great reminder that some of the most meaningful impact in our community comes from people who simply give their time to help others.
- We’re grateful for those volunteers and encourage more folks to get involved.
We also had the chance to celebrate the Bates Middle School girls’ and boys’ basketball teams.
- Both teams brought home conference championships this year, which is a big accomplishment.
- It speaks not just to talent, but to discipline, teamwork, and strong coaching.
- These students are setting the tone early for excellence both on and off the court, and we’re proud of what they represent for Sumter.
And we recognized the Ragin Prep Rams boys’ basketball team for winning the SCISA 1A State Championship.
- That’s a statewide title and a major achievement for the school and our community.
- It takes a lot of hard work, commitment, and resilience to reach that level.
- It’s always exciting to see our local teams succeed on the big stage and bring that pride back home to Sumter.
Last night, we had a second reading about utility rate increases that will affect city residents, and the focus of that discussion was about making sure we continue to invest in and maintain our water and sewer systems so they remain reliable long-term.
- These adjustments are part of a planned, phased approach that helps us address aging infrastructure responsibly while avoiding larger, unexpected costs down the road.
- At the end of the day, the goal is to protect the quality of service residents depend on every day and ensure the system stays strong and sustainable for the future.
Also discussed last night was a resolution giving formal consent for the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) to proceed with replacing the US-15 southbound bridge over the Pocotaligo River, a state-led infrastructure project within city limits.
- The resolution does not create a new city project or tax impact; instead, it authorizes coordination so the state can move forward with design and construction.
- The City’s role is primarily to assist with utility relocations (water, sewer, gas, power, telecom) and ensuring traffic control aligns with SCDOT requirements.
- Residents may eventually notice utility work and traffic adjustments, but the long-term goal is improved safety and reliability along a key travel corridor.
To see the full agenda from last night’s meeting, go to sumtersc.gov
All City Council meetings are now available to watch the next day on YouTube.
The applications for the 2026 Summer Youth Employment Program are now available!
- For over 30 years, this program has been a game-changer for our local students, offering real-world
experience and a paycheck to match
- This is for students who live in the city limits and meet HUD guidelines
- Applications are due May 1st and can be found at sumtersc.gov
The Downtown Water Line Replacement project is still underway.
- Crews have recently completed the work on Warren Street and Liberty Street.
- Crews will be working on Oakland Ave, Church Street, and North Main Street next.
- The project is scheduled to be completed fall of 2026.
Manning Avenue Bridge is closed to traffic until further notice
- The Manning Avenue Bridge in Sumter is officially closed to all traffic as of January 12, 2026, due to a construction project being managed by the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT).
- The bridge will remain closed until the project is complete.
- This project is expected to take approximately 28 months.
For the latest updates, please visit sumtersc.gov or scdot.org.
The 2026 Sumter Iris Festival presented by Prisma Health is coming up May 15-17!
- This annual event is held at Swan Lake Iris Gardens and draws visitors from across South Carolina and beyond.
- The theme of this year’s event is “Red, White, and BLOOM” in conjunction with the Sumter250 campaign and celebrating 250 years of our nation’s independence
- Also join us for the Taste at the Gardens on Thursday, May 14, from 6-9 PM outside the Heath Pavilion where we will kick off the festival with local food vendors and entertainment from DJ Howie D
- For more information, visit www.irisfestival.org
The Sumter Opera House renovation is moving forward, bringing major upgrades like a larger lobby, improved stage, and new seating that will increase capacity and enhance the overall experience.
- Behind the scenes, the project includes practical improvements too—like a brand-new HVAC system, updated dressing rooms, and expanded concessions—making the venue more comfortable and functional for both performers and guests.
- The goal is to have everything ready by late December 2026, setting the stage for a stronger downtown arts scene and more events that draw people into Sumter.
We invite you to visit and attend a regular City Council meeting, our meetings are typically held on the first and third Tuesday of each month. Please note that there will be no meeting on the first Tuesday of July. The next scheduled meeting is May 5, at 1:00 PM. If you can’t make a meeting public comments may also be submitted online anytime through our website at sumtersc.gov/council/meetings or city residents can contact the Mayor or their Council representative any time before any meeting to discuss a concern or idea.