Bamberg County Council’s Monday, January 10, meeting was highlighted by the swearing-in of one reelected member and two newly elected county council members. Former Bamberg County Council Chairwoman Alzena Robinson, who represents District 2, on county council was sworn-in to another term of office, along with newly elected District 3 council member Larry Haynes and newly elected District 6 council member Evert Comer, Jr.

Bamberg County Council, Clint Carter, who represents District 7 accepted the gavel as chairman and Chris Wilson, who represents District 1 was elected vice chairman.

In other business:

• Bamberg County finance director Thomas M. Thomas reported that for the first five months of the new fiscal year the county has collected 28 percent of its estimated annual revenue amount. In the month of November the county collected $409,692 or a total year to date collected of $2,169,769. The county recorded expenses year to date of 27 percent of the total amount budgeted or total expenditures of $3,606,147.

• Council members heard a report from the planning committee concerning making repairs to county offices and moving several offices to different locations in the county complex. Councilwoman Robinson expressed concerns that repairs to the historic Hooten Black House needed to be done in consultation with Nancy Foster of the Bamberg County Historical Society. County Administrator Rose Dobson-Elliott noted that no repairs would be made to the exterior of the house in keeping with historical guidelines. Council members also approved a lease agreement of $475 per month for the use of the old Luginbill law office on North Street to be used to house the office of the Department of Juvenile Justice.

• County Administrator Rose Dobson-Elliott stated in an update on the Family Circle Water Project said that the water test has been done and results are being kept under the Freedom of Information Act which the County is in the process of acquiring. The Administrator said an application for funding to do the water system upgrade through the State Budget and Control Board “is in limbo” due to discussions to disband the budget and control board.

• During the Public Comments portion of the meeting Sarah Noel expressed her concerns about the funding, the building facility and staffing of the proposed wellness park on Highway 78. Council member Clair Guess noted only “preliminary plans” have been drawn up so far and the problem at this point “is money.” Councilmember Alzena Robinson said the wellness park is in a “longterm process” and it was her hope that the County will not have to be involved with the funding, with the Lower Savannah Council of Governments (LSCOG) and Rep. Jim Clyburn’s Office involved.