The Sumter County Board of Commissioners met March 18. William H. Gurley was recognized for five years of service to the County. The following employees each were recognized for 3 years of service to the County: LaToya Cobb, jail operations, David Taylor, public works, James S. McCord, public works, Annita Barron, clerk of courts, and Julie Webb, Sheriff’s office.

Tammye Pettyjohn Jones, Director of Programs at OneSumter, addressed the Board on the Americus-Sumter Day at the Capitol. “Special thanks to Chairman David Baldwin, Commissioner Jessie Smith, County Administrator Scott Carver and finance director Lomenzo Reddick for serving in the leadership capacity as we engaged our state leadership during our Day at the Capitol.” Jones stated they were able to inform legislators of local needs for their area.

Finance Director Lomenzo Reddick then addressed the Board with budget amendments for the fiscal year 2025. “They were going to throw these departments out of budget if we waited until the end of the fiscal year to make these adjustments.”

Commissioner Jim Reid questioned Reddick about the fire department. “They’ve got the grant, they’re just waiting for that grant to be funded, correct?”

Reddick responded. “Yes.”

Reid also questioned Reddick on the Sheriff’s department budget amendments. “All of this was salaries?”

Reddick responded. “After we got the valuation, Mr. Eaves elected not to take the pension credits that we usually take.” Reddick stated that former County Administrator Douglas Eaves expressed a desire to avoid depleting their pension credits. “We budgeted based on a reduction based on that credit, but we didn’t take the credit.”

Reddick gave the amount the credit usually covered for the Sheriff’s Department and the jail. “It was like $250,000 worth of credits that we would take for the last two years to reduce that cost, but we did not take them this budget year.” Reddick stated they had $1.3 million in pension credits remaining. Baldwin entertained a motion to approve the budget amendments, passing unanimously.

The Board also passed a unanimous resolution recognizing National Agriculture week.

County Administrator Scott Carver commented on a visit to the Humane Society, noting he was impressed. “The staff has it really clean. All their animals looked like they were very well cared for.”

Public works director Tim Estes updated the Board stating Georgia Power had installed Power at the Pickle Ball Courts. “My hope is to wrap this up and be 100% complete by next Monday.”

The Board then went into executive session for potential litigation.