Clinton City Council Recap – July 7, 2025

The Clinton City Council held its regular monthly meeting on Monday, July 7 at 6:00 p.m., covering a full agenda that included the recognition of a retiring officer, public concerns over zoning, community funding approvals, and a series of reports and announcements important to Clinton residents.

Honoring a Legacy of Service

Council took time at the beginning of the meeting to recognize Assistant Police Chief Crystal Roberts, who is retiring after 25 years of dedicated service to the City of Clinton. Officer Roberts began her career as a patrol officer and later served as an investigator, school resource officer, and taser instructor.

Former Clinton Police Chief Sonny Ledda told The Buzz, “Officer Roberts was very professional in what she did. She was well respected by the community and her fellow officers.”

Zoning Controversy Raised During Public Comments

During the public comment period, Clinton resident Janet Young Baker addressed concerns over the June 23 special called meeting minutes, requesting that they not be approved due to what she described as inaccurate information regarding the rezoning of North Adair Street properties.

She argued that the first and second readings differed, with the initial approval reflecting the planning commission’s recommendation to rezone only one of the two parcels (ending in 019) to R2 and keep the other (ending in 07) as R1. Baker questioned why the planning commission’s input was being overridden, noting, “So why have a planning commission at all, if their recommendations are ultimately overruled by council and staff?”

Councilmember Megan Walsh responded, clarifying that meeting minutes should reflect the actual proceedings, not restate policy interpretations. It was further clarified that the parcel intended for development was the one rezoned to R2 and that should be accurately reflected in the minutes.

Updates from County Officials and Emergency Management

Laurens County Councilman Arthur Lee Philson announced a District 6 community meeting scheduled for Thursday, July 10 at 6:00 p.m. at New China Baptist Church on Milam Road. The meeting will focus on county zoning and land use planning. All are welcome to attend.

Laurens County Emergency Management Director Sonny Ledda and Assistant Director Rebecca Bagwell also addressed council to remind residents that hurricane season is underway. Ledda encouraged everyone to prepare for emergencies by having supplies for 2–3 days. Bagwell urged residents to sign up for Code Red alerts via the city or county websites to stay informed during critical situations.

Revolutionary War History Highlighted

Durant Ashmore, representing the Laurens County 250 committee, presented a proposal for a commemorative kiosk to highlight Clinton’s historical ties to the Revolutionary War. The kiosk will be installed at the Clinton Depot as part of the upcoming 250th anniversary of American independence. The request received unanimous approval from council.

Council Approves Community Assistance Grants

Council approved $20,000 in Community Assistance Grants for the 2024–25 fiscal year, supporting a wide range of nonprofit organizations and community programs. Grants were awarded as follows:

• East Side Elementary – $500

• Laurens County Safe Home – $1,500

• District 56 Science Olympiad – $5,000

• Keep Laurens County Beautiful – $1,000

• Piedmont Agency’s Meals on Wheels – $500

• The Zone – $1,500

• Open Door – $2,500

• Laurens County Cancer Association – $1,000

• National Veterans Agriculture Association – $1,000

• Good Shepherd – $1,000

• Go Center – $1,200

• Clinton Canopy – $1,000

• American Legion Post 56 – $1,000

• Clinton Community Garden – $300

• Family Promise of Laurens County – $500

• Laurens County Community Theatre – $500

• YMCA Toy Drive – $1,000

This annual grant cycle was expanded this year to meet increased community demand.

Other Business

Council unanimously adopted the 2025 Safety Statement, reaffirming the city’s commitment to providing a safe, hazard-free workplace and promoting employee health through proactive risk management.

Council also approved a memorandum of understanding with the Clinton YMCA for use of the recreation complex sports facilities. Councilmember Anita Williams was the sole dissenting vote, voicing concern over whether the city had intended to fully turn over operations to the YMCA.

Clinton YMCA Director, Harold Nichols clarified that the Y’s use of the complex was for sports programs provided by the YMCA and that no child would be denied the opportunity to participate in local leagues.

A vote concerning the sale of city-owned property—552.72 acres within the corporate limits, known as Tracts B and C of the Whitten Center property was tabled due to the absence of key contacts related to the project as a result of a family funeral.

Finally, Councilmember Anita Williams announced a Lydia Mill Town Hall Meeting will be held on Wednesday, July 24 at 6:00 p.m. at Refuge Worship Ministry, 99 Palmetto Street. All residents of Ward 2 and the Lydia Mill area are invited to attend, and informational mailers will be sent to local households.