December 2016 Council Highlights

Council approved a new automated utility billing and meter reading project. Our current system was installed in 1997, making it 20 years old. With new technology available today; this new system will provide better efficiencies for staff and customers. The upgrades will begin in 2017 and could take up to 2 years to complete. After the system is fully implemented, a couple of advantages will be faster payment options as well as alerts to the utility department if there is an indication of a leak, identifying the location of that leak as well. We appreciate the community’s patience during this process and, as always, our goal is to provide you with the best service possible. More information will be sent out to customers before the project begins and as it progresses, please make sure to read your City of Sumter monthly bill thoroughly for additional announcements.

Council has developed a list of community programs that will be supported by the annual Community Development Block Grant funding. These are HUD approved allocations that will be available for programs starting in April 2017. This year we have just over $278,000 to allocate into the community. The City has hosted numerous events over the past couple of months to received public input. The list of programs supported includes the housing repair program, sewer improvement, youth employment, YMCA Youth Services, Wateree Aids Task Force and the United Ministries. A final reading will be given on this list at the next Council meeting.

Council approved the lease of the South Sumter Gym, located off South Sumter Street, beside the South Sumter Park, to the Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club. In 2017, the club will be providing after-school, summer and recreational opportunities to Sumter youth.

City Council has elected Councilman Thomas “Bubba” Lowery as Mayor Pro Tem for the 2017 year. Each year Council elects a Mayor Pro Tem to act in the Mayor’s absence. If anyone would like the Mayor or Council member to speak at an event they can contact their councilmember directly or call the City Clerk’s office at 803-436-2578.

NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS:

In observance of the Christmas and New Year’s holiday, City of Sumter Administrative offices will close Friday, December 23, Monday, December 26, Tuesday, December 27, 2016 and Monday, January 2, 2017. Public safety offices as well as sanitation services, including trash, recycling and yard debris will continue to run throughout the holiday.

Sumter Opera House Youth Education Scholarship Fund has limited need-based scholarships available through YES Fund for certain performances. Scholarships, made possible by grants and through generous donors, and cover the cost of admission. For more information on how to become involved with this program, please contact Opera House at 436-2126.

Penny for Progress Updates:
- The new Public Safety Complex Ground Breaking is scheduled for Monday, January 23. This will move both our police and fire onto one campus, located on North Lafayette Drive.
- The Shot Pouch Greenway project is moving forward, with a host of meetings from January 31 – Feb. 2 available so the public can review draft plans and contribute ideas to the project.

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