Bamberg County Council presented plaques and service bars to county employees in recognition of services rendered to Bamberg County at their December 7 meeting. Receiving Five Year Service Plaques were; William Johnson, Johnnie Smith Sr., Miriam Murden, Sherry S. Thompson and Eddie Williams Jr. County employees receiving 10 year bars were Gary A. Brown and Terra T. Brown.

County employees receiving 20 year bars were; Willard H. Duncan, Brenda Kirby, James “Pedie” Hiers, Patti P. Jeffcoat, Joseph H. Johnson, Caroline A. Raysor and Carolyn C. Kinard. Reverend Betty Jean Milhouse was recognized for twenty years of service to the county as Bamberg County Deputy Coroner.

In accepting her award Rev. Milhouse stated; “I’ve always tried to do my job with patience, love and kindness. I tell everybody that my home is Orlando Florida. I moved to Bamberg County in 1955 and I very seldom go home. But, when I go home and I get back to the sign that says South Carolina it does my heart good. When I get to Bamberg County it makes me feel a whole lot better. I feel like I’m at home,” Rev. Milhouse said.

Also during the meeting:

. Bamberg County Memorial Hospital CEO Roy Vinson reported that patient volume was up in October to 15 patients per day over 13 in September. Net revenue for the facility was up $138,000 over September. And, net income was a positive $20,000 for the month.

. In another matter Council approved increased funding for the solicitor’s office of $26,000. It was noted that under present Solicitor Strom Thurmond Jr. the office has been much more proactive in handling cases in Bamberg County. “They have made a commitment to handle cases in Bamberg County that has not been there in past years,” Councilman Chris Wilson said. Councilman Wilson added that “cases move more stream line and better keeping jail cost down.”

. In a request from the Bamberg County Hospital for use of funds, Council members agreed to a $200,000 revolving line of credit payable in 90 day terms. Council approved a swing bed initiative that can be used as a revenue producer, a physician recruitment package to be approved by council and council agreed to the immediate purchase of a chiller with cost of approximately $59,000 for the hospital.

. County Finance Director Thomas Thomas reported that five months into the fiscal year the County’s budget is “holding steady.” The county has spent 38 percent of the total budget, leaving a balance of $4.6 million. Thomas noted that some unforeseen expenses last month were a four ton heating pump for the health department that cost $5,500, a two and a half ton unit was needed for the 911 Office at a cost of $1,100 and money was spent on preventative maintenance supplies.

. County Administrator Rose Dobson-Elliott reported that she was working with state officials and DHEC on a project to remove dilapidated mobile homes in the county which should start next year. Council members agreed to refer a request from the Sheriff’s office to purchase a new car for $23,700 through a lease-purchase agreement to the county finance committee. It was noted that the new car would replace one that has 170,000 miles and is valued at $2,000 and would cost $3,500 to repair.