LEXINGTON, S.C. — Back on February 28, 2024, we reported that Lexington County had decided to terminate its agreements with 14 municipalities regarding road maintenance and storm drainage, that is unless these municipalities opted in and agreed to new rules.
Well since then, there's been push back from local mayors, a round table discussion last week, and a Lexington County council meeting Tuesday.
Lexington County council's chairwoman Beth Carrigg said in that meeting Tuesday that council will reinstate West Columbia, Cayce and Springdale's road agreements because they are in the Urban Overlay.
Carrigg sending a statement to News 19 saying in part, "The Urban Overlay identifies intense development in the areas closest to Columbia and the University of South Carolina, which is reflected in our comprehensive plan. Most of their development is infill and does not affect large tracks of undeveloped property in the rural portions of Lexington County."
Carrigg explains further in this statement that future new contracts, like the roads agreements, will reflect the uniqueness that is Lexington County.
However, other municipalities are reacting to this meeting Tuesday, saying they feel slighted at being left out of the agreement re-instatement.
Chapin's mayor Al Koon telling News 19 in part, "The decision made by the Lexington County council and voted on by the Lexington County representative for Chapin, to extend the prior road maintenance agreement to only four of the fourteen municipalities, showcases a blatant disregard for the town of Chapin's request and our endeavors toward collaboration."
"Very much feel like we've been strong armed. Feel like we're being demanded to do it their way ... The most important thing is doing what's right for the citizens and everybody getting their fair share." Hazel Livingston, Lexington mayor said.
Swansea's mayor Viola McDaniel telling News 19 in part, "Each municipality is different with different needs. This cancelation of the road maintenance agreement probably has cost Swansea to lose affordable housing and revenue that the town needs. Swansea has not had any major developments in our area for years. We need a representative on council who will fight for us. I plan to do all I can to get Swansea new representation."
Carrigg telling News 19 additionally in her statement, "Obviously, we are disappointed with the latest turn of events. However, pursuant to state statute 4-9-40, the County may provide any of its services within the corporate limits of any municipality by contract, to include maintenance of roads within residential neighborhoods. We will continue our efforts to facilitate a contract with all 14 municipalities for roads and storm water maintenance for all proposed residential developments. As always, Lexington County is committed to finding solutions that are for the greater good of all Lexington County residents … To be clear, Lexington County is not required to enter into any contracts for services; however, we are diligently working to come up with agreements that best serve Lexington County’s future development needs."
As for what's next, Lexington County council tells these municipalities in their video recorded meeting Tuesday that everyone is welcome to come to their next meeting May 14, 2024 to learn about how the 2040 report could or could not impact future roads agreements with the existing municipalities.