Society Hill readying for third police officer
Society Hill Town Council readies for new police officer. Left to right: Deborah Harrell, Carolyn Oliver and Mayor Tommy Bradshaw.
Photo by Jana E. Pye
By Jana E. Pye, Editor, editor@newsandpress.net
Society Hill moves forward on hiring a third police officer to provide ‘round the clock service to the township.
As shared by Mayor Tommy Bradshaw at the September 13th Town Council meeting, the town is ready to add a part time police officer to the department, which currently employs two full time law enforcement officers, Chief Matt Hill and Officer Dwayne Gillespie.
The two police cars in use will be paid off next month, and the town is purchasing a 2016 F150 4X4, four-door pick up truck for the police department as well.
The truck will be purchased in cash at a great discount through the state contract procurement system. “The truck would normally go for $45,000, but purchasing it this way we were able to get it for only $38,611.11 – even after the extra items are added,” said Bradshaw. “To finance that would add an additional charge – since we have the money, it makes good fiscal sense to just go ahead and purchase it.”
Chief Matt Hill told council that the truck is currently getting the necessary radar, cameras, lights, siren and tow package added on now. “It’ll have all the bells and whistles,” said Hill. The truck will also be used for helping load things such as the annual Christmas decorations. “It’s no police related, but holidays are coming,” added Hill. “I need volunteers to get their light bulb twisting fingers warmed up to get light bulbs in the Christmas decorations.”
Councilwoman Carolyn Oliver complimented Hill on reports she has had from residents thanking he and Officer Gillespie for being visible in the town and keeping the streets safe from people speeding.
“Ticket revenue amount dropped last month, there’s nothing I can do about that…I can’t make people speed.” Said Hill, which elicited chuckles from the council and town members in attendance.
Council also learned that the Code of Ordinance book will be codified, something the book has not been done since 2003 when former Mayor Henry Moree was in office. New town attorney John Milling suggested that the town use a MASC approved company to get the book up to date before they move forward on approving new town ordinances.
The financial update included reports that the town’s two rental properties generate an additional $450 a month (total figure) for the properties next to St. David’s and near the River Landing.
The town is planning for the annual Catfish Festival and Rosenwald Alumni Reunion the first weekend in November, followed by a town gathering for Veterans Day on November 11.
In related news, the Rosenwald Elementary/Middle School in Society Hill is expanding their curriculum and have added band for 5-8 grades. They have not been able to offer this program for a long time. They are in need of donated musical instruments and music stands for the students to use. The program started out last year with just 10 students participating, this year they have 38. As of last week, the donations needed were two alto saxophones, two clarinets, one trombone, one percussion kit and 25 music stands. If anyone can donate any of these items please contact the school at: 843-398-2700.
To make a monetary donation, send to Rosenwald Band Program, Rosenwald Elementary Middle School, 508 Church Street, Society Hill, SC 29593.