May 2026 Council Notes

MAY 2026 MAYOR’S MINUTE

The Sumter City Council met Tuesday evening for its regularly scheduled meeting, where councilmembers addressed a variety of community development, infrastructure, and budget-related matters. 

• Public hearings included a discussion on the City’s Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER), highlighting the use of more than $333,000 in federal entitlement funds during the past fiscal year. Through this program, we were able to:
  • Complete sewer and plumbing improvements for 6 low-to-moderate income homeowners 
  • Assist 2 downtown businesses through the Façade Grant Program, supporting ongoing historic preservation efforts 
  • Rehabilitate 6 owner-occupied homes for low-to-moderate income residents using CDBG funding 
  • Complete minor home repairs for 13 low-to-moderate income households through the Sumter United Ministries Housing Repair Program 
  • Provide summer employment and workforce experience opportunities for 61 youth participants 
  • Fund YMCA programs and summer camp access for 5 low-to-moderate income youth 
  • Support 157 students through H.Y.P.E. with a Georgia Aquarium field trip, backpacks, and school supplies
• Council also held a public hearing and first reading on a proposed rezoning request at 609 West Oakland Avenue from Residential-6 to Planned Development.
• Council also hosted a public hearing on the proposed Fiscal Year 2026-2027 budget and later reviewed an updated draft budget during old business discussions. All in all, the City’s budget is expected to be around $93 million this next fiscal year.

Additional agenda items included:

• Board and commission appointments, The City of Sumter offers residents the opportunity to serve on 14 boards and commissions, including Downtown Sumter, the Iris Festival, Zoning, Economic Development, Housing, Litter, and more. Citizens are encouraged to apply and share their expertise, ideas, and interests to help guide and shape Sumter’s continued growth and success. The application process is on our website at www.sumtersc.gov. 
• Council also approved two infrastructure-related procurement resolutions. 
  • Resolution 1028 authorized a contract for stormwater repairs on Wactor Street, to help with drainage improvements in the area, and 
  • Resolution 1029 was approved to install sanitary sewer lining in downtown Sumter to improve system reliability and reduce future maintenance needs.

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 City of Sumter would like to inform residents that the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) has begun roadway and safety improvements along the U.S. Highway 521 South corridor, including Guignard and Bultman Drive. The project includes resurfacing, updated lane markings, and other safety upgrades, with work expected to continue through fall 2026 and completion anticipated by November 2026. Residents can expect temporary lane closures, minor traffic delays, and increased construction activity, while access to homes and businesses will be maintained. Drivers are encouraged to use caution and plan for slight delays during construction. We appreciate the community’s patience as these improvements are completed.
• The City is Investing in Sumter’s Water Infrastructure:
  • Downtown water line replacement project underway 
    • Warren Street and Liberty Street are completed 
    • Work is now active on North Main Street 
    • Oakland Avenue and Church Street are coming next 
    • Project remains on schedule for fall 2026 completion 
  • Water Treatment Plant 3 upgrades completed off Cockerill Road
    • New 1-million-gallon elevated storage tank was added 
    • Water main and system improvements completed 
    • Increased reliability for residents and Live Oak Industrial Park 
  • Water Treatment Plant 5, along Wesmark Blvd/Carter Road, expansion progressing 
    • Main structure nearing completion 
    • Internal system components now underway 
    • Expanding future treatment capacity
    • New elevated storage tank construction started off Quandry Road 
    • Adding capacity and improving service in the area
  • These infrastructure investments support growth, reliability, and long-term service across the city.
• Join the City of Sumter, Sumter County, Duke Energy, and many other community partners for the 2nd Annual Touch-A-Truck event. This family-friendly event helps raise awareness about the start of hurricane season, which runs from June 1 through November 30, while giving residents an up-close look at the vehicles and equipment used to help keep our community safe. The event will be held on June 6 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Sumter County Civic Center, located at 700 W. Liberty Street. Attendees can enjoy free face painting and Kona Ice while supplies last. Bring the whole family to explore a variety of large trucks and equipment, meet the crews who operate them, and learn more about emergency preparedness and public safety efforts in our community.

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 June 2, 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.