NEWBERRY — Four Newberry County Council members were sworn in Wednesday night after being elected, or re-elected in November.
Scott Cain (District One), Steve Stockman (District Two) and Kirksey Koon (District Four) were re-elected after running unopposed in November. Dr. Harriett Rucker (District Five) was elected for the first time after defeating Leslie “Les” Hipp in the November election.
“I would like to welcome Dr. Rucker on board as our first female County Council member,” said Councilman Henry Livingston. “Again, welcome and congratulations for being the first female to serve as council member on Newberry County Council.”
After the council members were sworn in, the meeting was turned over to County Attorney A.J. Tothacer Jr. for the purpose of elected a chairman and vice chairman for 2017.
Cain nominated Livingston for the position of chairman, and Councilman Bill Waldrop seconded. Tothacer called for other nominations, but none were given.
“Hearing none, if it is acceptable to this body we will have Mr. Livingston as chair by acclamation, which means there is no vote required because everybody agrees,” he said.
Livingston was then made chairman by acclamation. Councilman Travis Reeder then nominated Koon for vice chairman, and Waldrop seconded. Stockman nominated Cain for vice chairman, but this nomination did not receive a second.
Tothacer called for a vote, and Koon was elected vice chairman unanimously.
In other business, council approved two second readings, the first being an ordinance authorizing a fee in lieu of ad valorem tax and incentive agreement between the county and MM Technics.
“This project will create a guaranteed 65 jobs at an average wage of $22 per hour. This project guarantees $12.6 million in capital investment during its initial six years of operation in Newberry County,” said County Administrator Wayne Adams. “MM Technics is a tier one BMW supplier that will make stamped metal parts for the 2018 BMW X-5.”
Some of the incentives include 30 percent credit against property taxes in years seven through 20 and a $400,000 Newberry County site development grant.
The second reading was approved after Stockman made a motion and Cain seconded.
The other second reading was an ordinance acting on a request to amend the official zoning map. This would change a 4.09 acre portion of a 15 acres of real estate parcel from General Commercial to Industrial.
The land is located behind the Newberry Electric Co-op on Wilson Road. The purpose of the re-zoning is for a solar farm/solar demonstration project. Which are only allowed in Industrial zoning.
The second reading was approved after Stockman made a motion and Waldrop seconded.
Other business
• Council approved the purchase of Sheriff’s Office vehicles for the total amount of $178,325. The department will purchase eight new vehicles totaling $219,825, but will utilize the trade in of 15 vehicles totaling $41,500.