Poll: County Debates 2012 Meeting Schedule

As Dorchester County Council prepared to approve its 2012 meeting schedule, council mulled the perenniel argument over where and when the county meets, deciding to possibly amend the meeting schedule in the future.

The 2012 meeting schedule was approved, 6-0, with Councilman George Bailey absent, and is .

Councilman David Chinnis raised the concern over the current meeting twice in Summerville and then twice in St. George, the county's seat.

"Is there a way we can look at to try to meet in a manner that's more appropriate — that's more in-line with the population?" Chinnis asked.

The county reads an ordinance three times, which means if a Summerville issue is first read in Summerville, it could end up having its final reading in St. George.

"I've heard the accusation that ordinances and issues are brought up at different times so the votes are done in St. George," Chinnis said, adding that the claim that it's done on purpose is bogus but the meeting schedule still could prevent concerned citizens from attending meetings. 

Councilman Jay Byars suggested a meeting schedule based on percentages of citizens in the county — a weighted schedule.

Council Chair Larry Hargett dismissed the councilmen's ideas.

"We are one county, and if we did something like that I think we would catch a lot of grief," Hargett said. 

Councilman Willie Davis, who represents Upper Dorchester County along with Bailey, said having the meetings in St. George gives Summerville residents the opportunity to see what their county has to offer. 

"If you come up early (to a meeting), you might be able to buy a pair of shoes up in St. George," Davis said.

The issue of where to meet when has plagued the county over the years.

Before the two-and-two schedule, Hargett said council met in four different locations, including Ridgeville and Harleyville throughout the year.

No vote was taken to amend the meeting schedule, but council members said they could amend it at a later time.