October 2025 Council Highlights

• Last night, Sumter City Council tackled a full agenda that touched on development, preservation, and community projects. Here’s what happened:
• Historic Preservation Updates:
  • We heard the latest on the Historic Resources Survey covering West End, Hampton Park, and Mason Croft neighborhoods.
  • This project helps protect the city’s historic architecture and keeps our community’s character alive.
• Special Event Facilities:
  • A public hearing focused on updating rules for where event venues can operate and how they must be approved, making sure they fit well in neighborhoods.
• Business Licenses:
  • Updates to the Business License Ordinance were introduced to comply with state law and adjust local fees, keeping the city in line with new regulations.
• Sumter Opera House:
  • Council was presented with Phase 2 of renovations at the Opera House
  • This phase of the Opera House construction includes:
    • Restoration of the Annex and Auditorium,
    • A new connector spine between the buildings,
    • New HVAC system for the Opera House,
    • New stage,
    • Spectator seating,
    • Spectator lounge area,
    • As well as many other additional items.
  • 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.
• We’re excited to say that our next phase of ongoing street-resurfacing projects is on its way to completion. These projects are focused on city and state-owned streets within city limits.
  • Work is expected to occur sometime between winter 2025 and spring 2026.

• The City of Sumter’s Neighborhood Redevelopment Program is turning vacant and blighted lots into new homes through partnerships with local builders, nonprofits, and developers.
  • The City now owns several residential lots ready for redevelopment.
  • Builders and nonprofits can soon apply through an open RFP process on sumtersc.gov.
  • A review panel scores proposals based on experience, design, and community impact.
  • Projects that create new homeownership opportunities are strongly encouraged.
  • It’s all part of a larger effort to revitalize neighborhoods and strengthen community pride.
• Programs like this have deep roots in Sumter—For decades, the Sumter Pride Program and CDBG funding have helped remove blight and support redevelopment across the city.
• Bobby Richardson Sports Complex will be getting some renovations soon!
  • At the October 7th City Council meeting, a contract was authorized to begin the design development process for the complex.
  • The project includes:
    • The development of six synthetic turf baseball fields,
    • Enhanced lighting,
    • And a modernized grandstand
  • These upgrades will elevate the facility’s capacity for hosting regional sporting events and help to increase the economic impact these tournaments bring in.
• The City’s Tire Buy Back event has been rescheduled and is coming up this Saturday, October 25th, 2025, from 9 AM – 1 PM at the Sumter County Civic Center
  • During this event, Sumter City and County residents can receive $2 for each tire brought in for recycling.
    • This event is open to residents only, and businesses are not permitted to participate.
    • Limit 20 car tires per vehicle. No tires with rims, please.
    • A valid SC ID will be required.
  • Sponsored by Palmetto Pride and Walmart.
  • For more information, call 803-305-5266
• Hurricane season is still officially in effect until November 30th;
  • Stay prepared all season long with the 2025 South Carolina Hurricane Guide
    • This online booklet and other useful tools can be found at hurricane.sc
    • Remember that early preparation can make all the difference in staying safe.

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. The next scheduled meeting is Tuesday, November 4th.

• 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 anytime before any meeting to discuss a concern or idea.