NEWBERRY COUNTY — The main focus of Monday night’s governmental association meeting was on the legal aspects of the upcoming Capital Projects Sales Tax referendum.

“The legal issue specifically is the statutory prohibition on the use of public funds to influence a referendum,” said county administrator Wayne Adams to the crowd of public officials gathered at the Newberry Firehouse Conference Center. “Examples of public resources include: computers, printers, cell phones, vehicles, paid employee time and anything funded by the taxpayers.”

Adams clarified that this restriction does not apply to the preparation of materials to be used strictly for informational purposes, such as the comprehensive list of proposed CPST projects which can be found at www.newberrycounty.net.

The reason, Adams said, why the county must be extra-strict in this area is that recently some public officials across the state, specifically Berkeley County, have gotten into some “pretty serious trouble” for violating the afore mentioned stipulations.

To further emphasize the seriousness of the matter Adams brought up attorney Theo DuBose to articulate the potential legal consequences of influencing the vote on the public’s dime.

DuBose said the definition of what constitutes public resources can extend all the way down to items such as sticky notes or tape.

“You probably won’t be charged for anything so minor but it creates controversy,” he said. “Better safe than sorry.”

Elaborating on the incident in Berkeley County, DuBose relayed that school superintendent Rodney Thompson had been indicted several years back on a charge of illegally promoting a bond referendum.

The charge, which has yet to go to trial, carries a sentence of up to one year in jail and a maximum $5,000 fine.

“Some might say it was a political attack but when you’re writing a check for $5,000 it doesn’t much matter what kind of attack it is,” he said.

On a more positive note the meeting also featured Scott Sawyer, director of Newberry Parks and Recreation, discussing some of the recent improvements to the city’s parks as well as future plans.

He first highlighted the 2013 improvements to Dr. Julius E. Grant Park, which featured renovated restrooms, a new shelter and new basketball courts.

“If you have not been to this park you need to go see it,” Sawyer said.

Additionally similar updates to Dr. Ulysses S. Gallman Park were recently completed, including a quarter-mile walking track.

Parks and recreation is also beginning to place more emphasis on inclusive play opportunities which includes the establishing of a recreation accessibility committee set to begin meeting next month.

Sawyer said his department is hoping to raise $45,000 to finance wheelchair accessible swings at Marion Davis Park and inclusive swing seats at Marion Davis and Mollohon parks.

In the future, Sawyer said, accessibility needs will be addressed in all new projects.

“I’m excited about that and I hope it’s something you can grab ahold to too because it’s going to be awesome,” he said.

Attorney Theo DuBose explains to county and local government officials ways in which they can and cannot legally promote the upcoming CPST referendum.
https://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/web1_gov1.jpgAttorney Theo DuBose explains to county and local government officials ways in which they can and cannot legally promote the upcoming CPST referendum. Carson Lambert | The Newberry Observer

By Carson Lambert

clambert@civitasmedia.com

Reach Carson Lambert at 803-276-0625, ext. 1868, or on Twitter @TheNBOnews.