County Moves on Mitford Rec

WINNSBORO (Feb. 26, 2016) – County Council, during their Feb. 15 meeting, passed first reading on an ordinance to purchase the final piece of property in their recreation plan. The purchase would also end the debate on how best to serve district 2 and 3 under the plan.

“It’s going to be a good deal,” District 3 Councilman Walter Larry Stewart said. “The next step is to get a permanent EMS station there.”

The 5 acres at Camp Welfare and Wateree roads will be the site of what Stewart called a “community center.”

“It’s not a recreation center,” he said. “The emphasis will be on a community center, not so much a recreation center. It will be designed mainly for community functions, to get things going for seniors, and as a meting facility for clubs and organizations.”

But Interim County Administrator Milton Pope said after the meeting that the building could be used for recreational purposes.

No price was disclosed in first reading of the ordinance. Pope said the purchasing price would be disclosed at the next meeting (March 14).

According to County tax map records, the property is currently owned by Morris W. and Brenda Worthington, with a total market value of $27,500.

Pope also told Council that a similar facility slated for land on Ladds Road near Lake Monticello had hit a snag. The County leases the property there from SCANA for recreation; however, Pope said, permitting issues with federal regulators would have pushed construction back at the site as much as six months. Instead, Pope said, the County is moving the facility to Monticello Park, also known as Overlook Drive Park.

The move will generate a cost savings, Pope said, as a walking trail and outdoor basketball courts – planned for the Ladds Road location – already exist at Monticello Park.

FMH

Council also passed first reading on an ordinance to amend their 2015-2016 budget to account for nearly a half million dollars for Fairfield Memorial Hospital. Pope said the hospital was requesting $146,250 for a wellness works implementation fee, as well as $305,523 to catch up on their CT and MR maintenance agreement.

The requests would require an amendment to the budget, Pope said. Council met in executive session during a work session on Feb. 17 to discuss the payouts. They will take the matter up again during their March 14 meeting.

 

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