City Council met last night for its regular meeting, covering recognitions, public hearings, zoning requests, ordinance updates, and several capital project approvals. Here is a summary of the key actions and discussions.
Community Development Block Grant
- A special presentation was given on the proposed Community Development Block Grant Budget for Fiscal Year 2026-2027.
- Major citizen concerns are drainage, sinkholes, and sewer blockages.
- Requests were also made for the rehabilitation and demolition of substandard homes, as well as for homeless and senior feeding programs.
- United Ministries requested funding for crucial home repairs, such as roofs and ramps.
Special Presentations
- Council recognized the Palmetto Pride Youth Ambassador,
- This recognition highlighted the importance of youth involvement in beautification and litter-prevention efforts.
- The Sumter Tribe of Cheraw Indians presented in honor of Native American Heritage Month, celebrating the tribe’s history and continued contributions to the community.
Sister Wimberly Playground (Site Work & Equipment) at Swan Lake Iris Gardens
- Two separate contracts were presented for a major upgrade to this community recreation space, including larger-than-life structures to climb on, swing from, and more. And yes, our 1924 fire truck will remain a highlighted feature of the playground.
- Funding for the project comes from a combination of sources: state grant funds, local “Capital Projects Penny” sales tax, hospitality fund monies, and private sector contributions.
Swan Lake Northside Entrance Renovation
- This project is for improvements aimed at enhancing aesthetics, accessibility, and visitor experience.
- The renovation includes hardscape and landscape improvements to Swan Lake’s north entrance, including:
- brick and concrete walkways,
- drainage and erosion control,
- concrete edging,
- brick and stone columns,
- steel gate and fence refurbishment,
- planting,
- and irrigation.
To see the full agenda from last night’s or other meetings, go to sumtersc.gov.
All City Council meetings are now available to watch the next day on YouTube.
- At our November 4th meeting, council voted to move forward with renovations to the Stadium Road Fire Station.
- Upgrading and expanding the Stadium Road Fire Station ensures firefighters have the modern facilities, equipment access, and space needed to respond quickly and effectively to emergencies.
- These upgrades are funded through the Capital Projects Penny Sales Tax
- The City of Sumter and Love Sumter are proud to unveil the 2025 Sumter Landmark Series Christmas Ornament.
- This year’s ornament honors Willie “Bill” Pinkney Park,
- Pinkney was a founding voice of The Original Drifters, known for hits like “Money Honey” and “White Christmas.”
- In 2025, Pinkney’s family partnered with the City to relocate the park from Dalzell to downtown Sumter at the corner of Manning Avenue and Davis Street.
- The 2025 Landmark Ornament is available at the new Souvenir Shop at the Iris Market, located at Swan Lake Iris Gardens.
- For details, call (803) 436-2640 or visit LoveSumter.com.
- Fantasy of Lights – the state’s largest FREE light display - is set to return to Swan Lake Iris Gardens on December 1st!
- The celebration kicks off with an Opening Ceremony on December 1 at 6:00 PM in the green space beside the Visitors Center at Swan Lake.
- Lights will run nightly from December 1–31.
- Santa’s Village has moved to the green space near the Visitors Center
- This free event will be open from 6-8 PM on the first three Fridays and Saturdays in December
- For details, call (803) 436-2640 or visit LoveSumter.com.
- During last month’s Tire Buy-back event, 1,299 old tires were removed from streets, promoting a cleaner, safer, and greener Sumter.
- 75 community members participated, and $2,598 was distributed to participants who turned in old tires
- Thank you to Palmetto Pride and Walmart for sponsoring this wonderful event
- Couldn’t make it to this one? The Spring 2026 Tire Buy-back date will be released soon.
- Remember our next litter clean-up date is scheduled for Saturday, December 13th. Visit our website, SumterSC.gov, for more info and to learn how you can get involved.
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 December 2nd, 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.