The Sumter County Board of Commissioners met for their board retreat in the tower of The Windsor on February 28. Parks and Recreation Director Tim Estes addressed the Commissioners, stating that the walking track at Rock Hill Park was finished. “Pickle Ball Courts look fantastic, better than I expected. Just waiting on power.”

He did mention that maintenance was a struggle in his department. “I’m increasingly frustrated with inmate labor.” Estes stated there were restrictions on use of inmate labor during bad weather.

Fire Chief and EMA Director Jerry Harmon reported that one tornado shelter was still closed due to mold, with funding currently insufficient to fix the problem, since it would cost $20,000.

Harmon stated there were issues with the Fire Department building on Rucker Street. “Every time we get a hard rain. . . it floods the building, and we got asbestos tile popping up off the floor now.” He stated there were health concerns. “I got one already claiming [health concerns]. I spoke to her yesterday, and she’s having kidney issues.”

Sheriff Eric Bryant is requesting funds to fix leaks in the jail, and Warden Jimmie Colson is requesting funds for leaks for the CSI building as well. Bryant commented on the situation after the Board of Commissioners toured both buildings. “At this point it’s sporadic, but its extensive enough where we got to start looking at it ahead of time before it gets major, and that’s our concern at this point.”

In addition to corroding copper pipes, the roofs have been an issue. “Because we are on a flat roof system in both facilities, well, more on my side of the building, water tends to stand. And one of the things that we are wanting to do is prepare to upgrade that before it [becomes] a major problem. Right now, we just about know where the leaks are when we have a heavy rain, but we don’t want to get to the point where leaks are all over the building, so that’s why we’re getting ahead of the game.”