Darlington City Council hears concerns, approves community investments
City Hall, Pearl Street, Darlington. FILE PHOTO
By Stephan Drew, Editor
The Darlington City Council convened on Tuesday, April 7, with a full agenda that included passionate citizen comments, infrastructure concerns, and several approved expenditures aimed at enhancing community services and amenities.
During the Citizens Comments portion of the meeting, several residents addressed council with personal concerns and requests. Mrs. Dana McLellan spoke about the devastating March 12 fire at her home, expressing gratitude to Fire Chief Pat Cavanaugh and the Darlington Fire Department for their professionalism and compassion. She urged council to consider a pay raise for firefighters in recognition of their service.
Mrs. Wynona Flynn raised concerns over a dramatic spike in her water bill, which increased from $108 to $1,596 in a single month. Flynn explained she was told the issue stemmed from plumbing problems within her home, prompting her to spend $5,000 on repairs. Despite the work, her bill remained high at $1,496. Mayor Curtis Boyd took her contact information and assured her that the matter would be investigated.
Mrs. Gina Denham addressed council with allegations of misconduct involving the Darlington Police Department. Denham stated she was assaulted by an officer while in the Judge’s Chambers and later filed a complaint with Police Chief Jimmy Davis. She claimed discrepancies between her complaint and the response she received, calling for Chief Davis’ resignation. Denham also reported she was denied medical attention while in detention, suffered broken ribs, and requested $2,000 in compensation for hospital expenses.
Additional concerns were voiced by residents regarding water quality and city maintenance. Mr. Boyd Jackson reported ongoing issues with “brown water” despite paying his monthly bill and inquired about inspections of abandoned and burned buildings. Mrs. Ernestine Lyde echoed similar concerns, urging the city to replace aging water lines rather than rely on repeated repairs.
Mr. Sean Odom questioned the placement of proposed park benches and suggested locations near B.A. Gary Educational Complex and along South Main Street. He also asked about council’s authority to investigate citizen complaints.
In response to the bench discussion, Councilmember Shelia Baccus recommended increasing the purchase from two to four benches, and questioned their placement, stating she never noticed much pedestrian traffic on Cashua Street. Mayor Boyd supported installing benches along South Main Street as well as Cashua Street. Councilmembers Elaine Reed and Angela McRavin suggested placing them at bus stops near the S. Main Street Laundromat and Pecan Grove Apartments. Council approved the $5,000 purchase of four benches, with two designated for Cashua Street and two for South Main Street/U.S. Highway 52.
Council also approved a $10,325.74 contribution—representing 40 percent of the total cost—for the installation of four new batting cages at the A Squared Investments Sports Complex. The remaining 60 percent has been approved and will be funded by Darlington County Council.
Progress continues on the City of Darlington’s application to join the Main Street USA Program. Mrs. Diane Cohen informed council that the application is complete pending signatures on a Letter of Support. Council agreed to review and sign the document for submission.
In recognition of community awareness efforts, council issued a proclamation declaring April as Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Awareness Month. Mrs. Pam Johnson of the Pee Dee Coalition was present to accept the proclamation.
Hunter Thomas, Director of Public and Community Affairs, presented plans to upgrade the city’s website to meet accessibility requirements mandated by the U.S. Department of Justice by April 2027. The upgrade will require a one-time cost of approximately $15,000, along with the current annual maintenance fees of about $8,400. Council approved the funding to be included in the upcoming budget.
Looking ahead to summer festivities, council approved $22,000 for a drone fireworks show at the annual Freedom Fest scheduled for late June. The decision to use drones instead of traditional fireworks was made to improve visibility for attendees. Krista Hartley, Director of the Greater Darlington Chamber of Commerce, noted the show will feature approximately 150 drones over a 15-minute performance.
The meeting reflected both the concerns of Darlington residents and council’s ongoing efforts to address infrastructure, public safety, and community engagement initiatives.
The Darlington City Council will hold a Public Hearing, Special Meeting and Work Session at 6pm on Tuesday, April 21. Their next City Council Meeting is scheduled for 6pm on Tuesday, May 5.