Williamsburg County Council approved first reading of its proposed fiscal year 2026-27 budget ordinance during a recent meeting, advancing a plan that includes a new public safety fee intended to help fund an additional county ambulance.
Council approved first reading of Ordinance 2026-05 in a 6-1 vote, with Councilman Sam Floyd casting the dissenting vote.
The ordinance establishes the county’s tax levy, appropriations and revenues for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026. Included in the proposal is a $25 public safety fee that county officials said would help support the operation of a fourth ambulance to improve emergency response coverage, particularly in rural areas.
Emergency service concerns later became a focus during public comment.
Charlene Wilson Segar addressed council about ambulance response times in rural parts of the county, reporting delays of up to 30 minutes and lengthy transport times to hospitals.
County Supervisor Kelvin Washington acknowledged the issue and said discussions have been ongoing about expanding emergency medical services through the addition of another ambulance.
In other business, council approved first reading of Ordinance 2026-06, authorizing the South Lynches Fire District to issue up to $2.6 million in general obligation bonds.
Bobby Johnson said the bond funding would be used to replace aging emergency equipment, including outdated air packs and fire apparatus.
He told council the district intentionally requested an amount below the maximum allowable bond limit in order to preserve borrowing capacity for future equipment repairs and replacements.
The South Lynches Fire District serves portions of Williamsburg and Florence counties and covers approximately 211 square miles.
Council also approved Resolution 2026-01, calling for a public hearing on the proposed bond issuance. The hearing is expected to be held during council’s June 16 meeting, when third reading of the ordinance is anticipated.
During public comment, Dr. Cheryl Lane of the Mount Vernon community urged council to consider a temporary moratorium on utility-scale solar projects, battery energy storage systems and data centers.
Lane cited concerns about potential impacts on water quality, infrastructure and public health. Washington requested documentation and environmental reports referenced during her remarks.
