Florence County Council to consider adding deputies

Florence County Council on Thursday will consider the approval of two new sheriff’s deputies to serve as library resource officers as well as a grant application to fund five additional patrol deputies.

The Drs. Bruce & Lee Foundation Library has a $63,000-a-year security contract with the city of Florence through which off-duty city police officers are paid as independent contractors, according to county documents.

The Internal Revenue Service, however, requires for the officers to be treated as county employees, but the county can’t hire the city officers because such an action would violate the “dual commission prohibition” in state law, county documents state.

The annual cost of the two new deputies would be $90,000, including fringe benefits, uniforms and other operational supplies, according to the county.

Council also will vote on the submission of an application for nearly $200,000 in U.S. Justice Department grant funds for the hiring of five new patrol deputies. The county would be required after three years to maintain and fully fund the five positions, at an annual cost of $225,125.

In other business Thursday, council is scheduled to hear from Scranton resident Ernestine Haselden, who is requesting an ordinance banning “pit bull-type dogs” from the county.

She will speak on behalf of a group of Scranton residents that “feels these dogs constitute a detriment and danger to the health, safety and welfare” of the county’s citizens, according to the council’s agenda.

Both Haselden and a group of Florence students have rescheduled their appearances before council, originally set for last month.

On Feb. 2, Haselden asked Scranton town officials to consider a ban on pit bull-type dogs. Residents have said they worry that a group of dogs in the neighborhood will get loose and hurt someone.

After Haselden speaks Thursday, the group from Southside Middle School will give county council a presentation against laws that would ban certain breeds of dogs.

The students plan to propose implementing canine safety education programs in schools, offering responsible canine ownership classes to pet owners and adopting stronger laws on the city and county levels.

Linda D. Witouski, an American Kennel Club judge and delegate, also is scheduled to appear before council to discuss breed-specific legislation.

County council isn’t considering any breed-specific ordinances.

Also on Thursday’s agenda is a resolution that would amend grant amounts for the H.J. Heinz project near Florence. The amounts of $1.5 million from S.C. Department of Commerce Set Aside Funds and $2 million from the department’s Closing Funds have been revised to equal $1.75 million apiece from the Set Aside and Closing funds, according to county documents.

Council members will consider the purchase of more than 38 acres where the county has a radio tower on Cash Road in Johnsonville. The county is leasing the property and could buy the land from L. Dean Weaver for $139,500.

Council also is scheduled to vote on third and final reading of a new Community Facilities element, part of the county’s updated comprehensive plan, which state law requires for a local government to have zoning.

The element includes museums and other venues, animal shelters, parks and recreation facilities, educational facilities, transportation, and public safety, as well as water supply and wastewater treatment.

IF YOU’RE GOING

WHAT: Florence County Council regular meeting

WHEN: 9 a.m. Thursday

WHERE: County council chambers, Florence City-County Complex Room 803, 180 N. Irby St., Florence

INFO: Call Clerk to Council Connie Haselden at (843) 665-3035

ON THE WEB: www.florenceco.org