County Council hears community concerns
Darlington County Council Chairman Bobby Hudson (left) stands with representatives of Kingsville United Methodist Church and the Resolution honoring their 176th Anniversary. PHOTO BY STEPHAN DREW
By Stephan Drew, Editor
The Darlington County Council met on Monday, April 6, addressing a range of community issues, approving funding initiatives, and recognizing both local and national observances.
At the outset of the meeting, Council passed two resolutions. Resolution 812 recognized the 176th anniversary of Kingsville United Methodist Church, located on Bobo Newsom Highway in Hartsville. Resolution 813 proclaimed the week of April 12–18 as National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, honoring the vital role of emergency dispatchers.
During Citizens’ Comments, several residents voiced concerns on pressing local matters. Hartsville resident Belinda Valle spoke in opposition to a proposed large-scale solar farm by IP Solar near her home. Valle submitted her statement as a formal appeal to Council, asserting that the company failed to meet key permitting requirements—particularly regarding public notification.
Valle explained that while she received notice by mail, she could not find any public notice published in the News & Press. She stated that notice in a “local newspaper” was required by procedure and said she was later told the notice appeared in the Hartsville Messenger due to the project’s location, but despite searching extensively, she was unable to locate a copy. Valle also noted that IP Solar had requested, then withdrawn, a variance to bypass the public hearing process. She called for greater transparency and requested that Council provide proof of proper public notice and hold an additional public hearing.
Society Hill resident Brady Hill also addressed Council, raising concerns about environmental contamination tied to the former Galey & Lord plant. Hill described the spreading of sludge—composed of dirt and hazardous materials—from the site onto nearby farmland after the plant ceased operations. He expressed concern about elevated levels of PFOS and PFAS chemicals and questioned the safety of local drinking water. Hill criticized the lack of current regulations addressing such contamination follow-up and urged Council to take action to safeguard public health.
In other business, Council approved several funding measures. Members voted to contribute 60% of the cost for four new batting cages at the A Squared Investments Sports Complex on Blue Street in Darlington. The total project cost is $25,814.36, with the County committing $15,488.62.
Council also approved the acceptance of $217,751 in South Carolina Department of Transportation County Transportation Committee (CTC) funds for roadway improvements. The project includes base preparation and paving of 900 linear feet of Fox Hollow Drive, resurfacing 1,528 linear feet across Windy Hill Drive, Longleaf Drive, and Sandy Oak Drive, and the rental of a concrete crusher. The County will oversee all aspects of procurement, construction, maintenance, and inspection.
Additionally, Council approved a $5,000 contribution to Leadership Hartsville, in partnership with Carolina Kids, for the Hunger Busters Program. Established in March 2009 by Southside Early Childhood Center, the program has grown from serving 40 kindergarten students to now providing weekend food bags to more than 600 food-insecure children across Darlington County each week.
Darlington County Library Director Jimmie Epling also addressed Council, sharing highlights from his recent visit to Columbia. Epling reported that the South Carolina House and Senate passed a resolution recognizing the historical and ongoing contributions of public libraries throughout the state, underscoring their importance to education and community development since 1700.
The Darlington County Council will meet again on May 4.