County Council hears non-profit group’s presentation, passes expansion ordinance
By Stephan Drew, Editor
When the Darlington County Council met on Monday, May 1, 2023, they heard a presentation from a community-support group and passed an ordinance allowing for the boundary enlargement of the Industrial Park.
Debra Jackson, founder of the non-profit Collaboration2gether, Inc., made a presentation of the organization’s available assistance and plans for expansion of their services throughout Darlington County. Jackson shared her own story, detailing her struggle to get off of assistance programs and how that experience has helped her recognize the needs of others in similar circumstances. Collaboration2gether, Inc., was established in 2009 to service the community by providing consultation, case management services and other assistance to those in need, regardless of their socio-economic status. “We promise to engage every individual in the community who requests services,” Jackson said, “We promise to engage every individual in the community we advocate with care. We don’t turn anyone away.” “Don’t resist change, embrace it,” Jackson stated.
Council also heard the Third Reading of Ordinance No. 23-02, which allows for the boundary expansion of the Industrial Park, located off I-20, a few miles from I-95. This ordinance would allow for the inclusion of property now owned and/or operated by Hawfinch Solar, LLC. The Ordinance was passed.
Council also heard the First Reading of Ordinance No. 23-003, which makes appropriations for ordinary County purposes for the coming fiscal year to provide for the expenditures thereof. A First Reading of Ordinance 23-04 was also heard. This ordinance designates the agency in the County for Alcohol and Drug Abuse Planning for programs and makes appropriations in accordance with existing law codes.
Sheriff James B. Hudson Jr. gave his department’s monthly report, which included answering 2,065 calls, writing 500 reports, making 82 arrests, serving 107 warrants, making 134 domestic calls, investigating 31 larcenies and one homicide, and responding to 53 assaults and 14 aggravated assaults.
County Administrator Charles Stewart gave an update on the construction of both the new courthouse and the new museum. Stewart stated that both projects are progressing well and should be open to the public by November of this year.
Council then went into Executive Session. The next meeting of the Darlington County Council will take place on June 5, 2023.