COLUMBIA – It was announced in The Voice last week that Fairfield Economic Director Ty Davenport had left Fairfield County. He has since been named Deputy Director of Economic Development for Richland County. Davenport was hired by Fairfield County in June, 2016, when the unemployment rate in the county was 14 percent and had been […]
TC passes first budget reading; authorizes property purchase
May 26, 2022 By
BLYTHEWOOD – After considerable sparring over some of the ways the Town spends its money, Town Council unanimously passed first reading of its FY 2022 – 2023 budget Monday night. With one-time revenues from American Rescue Plan (ARP) funding ($1,812,854) and a $250,000 earmark grant from the state government plus an almost 100 percent increase […]
County Council takes $285K from fund balance to cover earmarks
May 26, 2022 By
Council Budgeted More for Itself Than for Economic Development WINNSBORO – Fairfield County Council members authorized $285,000 in last minute spending as part of the $41.3 million budget approved Monday night, raiding what Council Chair Moses Bell has frequently called “the depleted fund balance” to do so. The majority five council members also declined taking […]
Jennifer Brecheisen announces candidacy for House District 41
May 26, 2022 By
CHESTER – Jennifer Brecheisen, an artist and homeschooling mother living in Chester County, has announced her candidacy for the South Carolina House of Representatives in District 41. That district, which includes Fairfield and Chester Counties, is currently represented by Annie McDaniel. The district also includes part of the Lake Carolina area. New District 41 lines […]
Industrial zoning sought for 392 acres on Hwy 34
May 19, 2022 By
FAIRFIELD COUNTY – A request to have a 392.49 acre parcel rezoned from RD-1 (Rural Residential District) to I-1 (Industrial District) will be heard by the Fairfield County Planning Commission on Thursday, May 26, at 6 p.m. The property, owned by Gum Springs LLC (applicant), is located about 2.5 miles west of Interstate-77 on SC […]
Gilbert: Council salaries should be cut in FY 22-23
May 19, 2022 By
Councilman Trapp: ‘I Don’t Think That’s Legal.’ WINNSBORO – Fee increases, adding new positions, and cutting council member salaries are among the last minute alterations under consideration in Fairfield County’s proposed $41.3 million budget. But it was an existing budget item that would fund Fairfield County Sheriff’s Office raises that’s giving at least one council […]
Director of Economic Development Ty Davenport leaving County
May 19, 2022 By
WINNSBORO – Fairfield County Director of Economic Development, Ty Davenport, has announced he will be leaving the county on May 25. Davenport is the eighth top county official to leave the county’s employ in the last year including the county administrator, assistant county administrator, attorney, clerk to council and several department heads.. Two more department […]
Bell quizzed on disparity of funding for rec centers
May 12, 2022 By
WINNSBORO – Drawdy Park is a recreation hub in Fairfield County. More than 300 kids compete in baseball, softball and other sporting activities during the peak summer season. It’s a place where proud parents cheer on their sons and daughters as they triumphantly round the bases. It’s a place where memories are made. “Drawdy Park […]
In searing public speech, BW mayor confuses conspiracy with routine journalism
May 5, 2022 By
BLYTHEWOOD – Mayor Bryan Franklin delivered his most chilling verbal attack to date on The Voice’s publisher and Councilman Donald Brock at the end of a joint town council/planning commission meeting Monday night. The subject matter was rambling, with multiple undocumented claims. Explaining that his speech was in response to The Voice’s editorial in the […]
County responds to Town’s solid waste fee lawsuit
May 5, 2022 By
WINNSBORO – Fairfield County denies that its $63 per ton solid waste fee double-bills Winnsboro town residents who also pay county property taxes to dump their trash, according to new court filings. A year ago, the county expanded the fee to include the Town of Winnsboro and Fairfield County School District. Winnsboro challenged that decision, […]
