Bamberg County Council: Industry planning expansion, new jobs

“Project Knox is an expansion project that we’re working with. That says a lot about the community to stay right here and want to continue to expand their roots here. That’s 14 jobs and $6 million in capital investment,” Urwick said during a Dec. 4 Bamberg County Council meeting.

SCA is an economic development group serving Bamberg and six other counties.

Urwick also reported on site visits in the county.

“We still have had six site visits in the last month since the last meeting. So that’s been promising,” Urwick said.

He continued, “We’ve had some good traction at the Wolfe site also over there in Denmark with a couple of bigger projects that are looking for a good bit of land. That’s been encouraging to see. So hopefully finishing out this year and then moving into next year, we’ll get off to a hot start.”

In other business:

• County Treasurer Alice Johnson gave the October financial report, stating that in October the county had $3,184,218.42 in income and expenditures of $889,298.74, for a positive balance of $2,294,919.68.

When the bank balance at the end of September was added, the county’s regular account stood at a positive $1,133,061.81.

County Controller Gina Smith said that was commendable because the county’s balance in its regular account was a negative $146,000 at the same time last year.

Smith also reported that the county was nearing completion of its June 30, 2023 audit.

• Council gave final third reading to an ordinance to allow the addition of Old Town Lane in Denmark to the county road list. The road was previously omitted.

• Council heard from Dr. William Molnar, executive director of the Lower Savannah Council of Governments, on an upcoming community needs assessment hearing to be held at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 23, at the County Courthouse Annex.

“We use this to solicit funding, especially from the Economic Development Administration. … It helps us with state and federal funding,” he said.

Nicholas Terry, LSCOG community and economic development manager, later said, “It’s just an opportunity for anybody within the county to come out and discuss what they think the priorities and needs are for the communities in Bamberg County. It’s typically in the area of housing, infrastructure, economic development, public safety, public facilities and neighborhood revitalization.”

Individuals seeking more information can contact Terry at 803-508-7069.

• Council heard from Joy Haynes, owner of Shop Her Closet Outreach Community Center located at 3722 Main Highway in Bamberg.

“We are a food pantry. This year alone, we fed 6,000 people,” she said.

Haynes said the community center also serves other community needs.

“We’re asking for resources. We’re asking for you to come to the center, be a part of what we do there. We’re not just a building occupying a space. We are a very good resource. There are a lot of people who come in with a lot of different issues,” Haynes said.

“We do COVID testing, vaccines, gift cards, just anything to kind of meet the needs of the community. We’re an advocate for all of Bamberg County. … We don’t turn anyone down or around,” she said.

Council Chairman Dr. Jonathan Goodman II recommended Haynes send the council a calendar of events, “so we can … know some of the things that you’re doing so that it will be easier for us to participate when schedules will align and allow.”

“I’m very familiar and knowledgeable of what you have provided and what you are providing. So we appreciate that,” he said.

• Council gave first reading approval to an ordinance authorizing an infrastructure credit agreement, including special source revenue credits, between the county and Rockberg LLC.

Preston later explained the ordinance.

“Gibbs International is purchasing the Rocklon/Rocburg property. They have a potential company that is going to lease space from them, but they are not ready to announce the details yet. The site is a Brownfield site. In addition, they intend on cleaning up the property where the old mill used to be and move another company into it. They are not prepared to announce job or investment information yet,” he said.

Gibbs International Inc. is a Spartanburg-based company founded in 1973 that is primarily engaged in textiles, commercial real estate, industrial equipment, power generation and decommissioning.

• Council heard from county resident Ken Ahlin, stating that he had questions about the submission of public comments concerning agenda items via email and then having all comments provided to council for their review.

“What happens if you’re not able to send them? Are you still allowed to speak?” Ahlin said.

Goodman said, “The whole purpose for that was if someone could not make it to the meeting. … You’re still allowed to come and speak as you’ve done tonight.”

The chairman said he and the county administrator would also respond to Ahlin via letter.

• Council heard from Bamberg County couple William and Ruth McMillon on the condition of Oak Grove Road, with William stating that the road is nearly impassable when it rains and has been on the list of roads to be repaired for nearly a decade.

“When it rains, you need a boat to go through probably,” he said.

Goodman said he and the county administrator would look into the matter.

“We will respond and let you know what the plans are, if there are any,” he said.