NEWBERRY — David Stumbo, solicitor with the Eighth Circuit, is requesting an appropriation of $197,867 for the Solicitor’s Office for Fiscal Year 2018-19. The first reading of the draft budget included $121,867, the same amount provided for in the current year.

“What we’ve done this year, for the first time, this is my sixth year as solicitor for the Circuit. What I think we’ve needed to do is take a comprehensive look at our four counties,” Stumbo said. “We cannot run our office on what the state gives us solely, and we cannot run our office right now on what the counties are giving us exclusively, so it is a hybrid. We have grant money that comes and goes.”

Stumbo would like to see the office depending less on state funding. He said if the state money and federal grant money dries up tomorrow, the residents of Newberry still deserve to have cases prosecuted and families kept safe.

“I think that’s important, if you talk to Sheriff Foster or his guys, they can do everything they can to keep the streets safe. If we cannot close the case in the courtroom because we don’t have the resources, they are going to be back on the streets,” Stumbo said. “I want to make clear, this is not to blame the four counties of the circuit, because I don’t think my predecessor came to the counties very often to ask for an increase in funding. That was a problem.”

Two specific funding asks would be for a victim advocate and an investigator. Stumbo does not have a victim advocate for Newberry County, all the victim work is currently done by the advocate out of Laurens County. Part of this ask would have a full time victim advocate in Newberry County, which Stumbo said is a critical ask.

Stumbo is also looking to hire an additional investigator, to be funded half by Newberry and the other half by Laurens.

Other business

• The following county employees were recognized, Freddie Edwards, Public Works, five years. Trena Crisp, Magistrate’s Office, 15 years, Georgia Attaway, deputy assessor, 20 years, Detrick Bishop, Sheriff’s Office, 20 years.

• Council approved a second reading to change a parcel located near CR Koon Highway and S.C. 773, from Industrial to General Commercial.

• Council approved a second reading for a parcel located off Pender Ridge Road, behind Piedmont Technical College, from General Commercial to Rural.

• Council approved a first reading of an ordinance that would provide issuance and sale of General Obligation Bonds not exceeding $800,000. This would fund the purchase and renovation of 833 Main Street, Newberry, to be converted to the Magistrate Court.

• Samie Truong, Newberry County Young Professionals, invited members of council to the upcoming Legacy Gala, which is open to all community leaders.

Solicitor David Stumbo requested $197,867 for the new fiscal year.
https://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/web1_DSC_0802.jpgSolicitor David Stumbo requested $197,867 for the new fiscal year. Andrew Wigger | The Newberry Observer

Detrick Bishop (right) was recognized for 20 years of service to the county. He is pictured with Chairman Henry Livingston (left).
https://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/web1_DSC_0801.jpgDetrick Bishop (right) was recognized for 20 years of service to the county. He is pictured with Chairman Henry Livingston (left). Andrew Wigger | The Newberry Observer

By Andrew Wigger

awigger@newberryobserver.com

Reach Andrew Wigger at 803-276-0625 ext. 1867 or on Twitter @ TheNBOnews.